Minneapolis approves sidewalk snow plowing study which could start by 2024

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – The town of Minneapolis is trying into the potential of a program for eradicating snow from sidewalks and streets beginning as quickly as 2024.

Ice covers lots of Minneapolis sidewalks after cooler temperatures adopted the latest heat climate and rain. Slips and falls are inevitable, and the ice is actually a roadblock for folks with accessibility points, like 33-year-old Michael Sack.

He says dependable snow shoveling can be a giant assist.

“If Minneapolis develops a workable and in-depth plan for his or her municipal shoveling program, I’m completely on board,” mentioned Sack, who based Minneapolis Sidewalk Restore Hunters and is a member of the Minneapolis Advisory Committee on Folks with Disabilities.

On Thursday, town’s public works and infrastructure committee authorised a research of municipal snow and ice elimination packages.

Sack says he helps this system because it’ll assist him know he can get round city safely and ease one other burden as effectively.

“The municipal snow shoveling program will even assist residents who’re incapable of shoveling as a result of having a incapacity or well being points,” Sack mentioned.

Minneapolis already spends about $13 million per 12 months on plowing streets and alleys. 

Native nonprofit Our Streets Minneapolis requested town so as to add $6 million for municipal sidewalk clearing. The plan which will probably be analyzed can be to begin with the 298-mile Pedestrian Precedence Community and develop to all 2000+ miles of sidewalks by 2027.

“I want to see the plan begin sooner, however I suppose they want time to coach personnel and get tools,” Sack mentioned.

The town issued greater than 1000 fines totaling over $200,000 final winter for sidewalks that weren’t shoveled. It is already handed these numbers this winter.