TELL US: Is the Newton Snow Shoveling Ordinance Working?

When Newton Patch posted a story yesterday about the Newton aldermen considering an extension to the trial snow shoveling ordinance, we heard a few comments on the site and on Twitter about some, well, lackluster shoveling jobs in the city.

Although last winter was very mild and this winter has been relatively quiet (so far), there have been a few storms since the Newton aldermen passed a trial snow shoveling ordinance in March 2011.

The two-year trial snow shoveling ordinance requires property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 30 hours of a storm. 

During the trial, which started on Nov. 1, 2011, the city does not fine property owners for not shoveling, but may issue notices of non-compliance. 

So, has the snow shoveling ordinance worked? Are the sidewalks de-iced or shoveled within the required amount of time? Tell us in the comments section below.

While we're at it -- how has the plowing been in the city? 

Residents can report an unshoveled sidewalk or other snow-related issues through the city's 311 system.

Later this week, the Board of Aldermen's Public Safety and Public Facilities committees will discuss an extension to the two-year "trial" snow shoveling ordinance. According to committee agendas, 15 aldermen have docketed an item that requests a one-year extension to the trial, which is scheduled to expire on Nov. 1, 2013.

The joint Public Safety and Public Facilities committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 7:45 p.m. in room 202 at City Hall.