
Why Doesn’t The City of Grand Rapids Handle Sidewalk Snow Removal?
West Michigan has had it's fair share of accumulating snow already this winter.
It has caused school closings, and made traveling difficult and at times even deadly.
In Grand Rapids where I live we've already had 44" of snow according to MLive, that's 5″ above normal.
While we can't control the weather, We can control how all of that snow is removed.
⬇️ Read More Below: Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Laws ⬇️
Currently in the city of Grand Rapids residents have 24 hours from the time it stops snowing to clear sidewalks.
After that time if one of your neighbors or anyone for that matter wants they can contact the city to report a snow covered sidewalk.
The city will then mail a notice to the property owner.
The property owner has 48 hours to clear the sidewalk after they receive the notice.
After the 48 hours has gone by a city inspector will visit stop bye to check things out.
If the sidewalk still isn't clear, The city will hire a contractor to clear the sidewalk at the owner’s expense.
With 922 miles of sidewalks in Grand Rapids that a lot of money to be made from people who don't clear away the snow.
Why Doesn't The City of Grand Rapids Handle Sidewalk Snow Removal?
I actually like shoveling the snow for my two elderly neighbors because it's great exercise and it feels good to help someone out.
But as much as I like shoveling I think it's time for the City of Grand Rapids to do what East Grand Rapids does.
In East Grand Rapids if they get 3" or more of snow the city sidewalks are plowed after all priority street routes have been cleaned.
There is a program called Sidewalk Snow Support that covers 200 miles of the 922 miles of sidewalks.
The sidewalks that are chosen are based on the following criteria.
- Poverty levels
- Population of older adults
- Population of people with disabilities
- Pedestrian traffic levels
- Unemployment percentage
- Population of school-aged children
- Walking distance to transit stops
- Past sidewalk snow removal complaints
I don't know about you but I wouldn't mind if I got taxed a little more to have safe sidewalks for everyone to walk on including mail carriers, kids coming and going to school along with elderly or disable people.
Would you pay extra money if the city you lived in would plow all the sidewalks?
Send me a message and let me know.

Is It Illegal? Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Laws
Gallery Credit: Wendy Reed
Watch Out For Michigan's 5 Most Dangerous Gangs
Gallery Credit: Big Joe Pesh
30 Famous Celebrities You Might Not Know Are From Michigan
Gallery Credit: Big Joe Pesh / Getty Images
More From Mix 95.7








