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Milwaukee Department of Public Works has issued over 500 citations for unshoveled sidewalks

Posted at 12:27 PM, Feb 10, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-10 13:27:48-05

Since October, Milwaukee Department of Public Works has issued 541 citations for unshoveled sidewalks.

"Unclear sidewalks and curb cuts can be dangerous, even life threatening, for elderly or disabled community members who are forced into the street alongside traffic," Brian DeNeve with DPW said. "Sidewalks must be clear of snow and ice 24 hours after snow had stopped falling or could otherwise face a citation. Snow should not be blown, plowed or shoveled back into the streets."

The first citation can cost $50.

Monday morning got started a little earlier for many folks, stepping outside into a settled snow globe. The heavy, wet snow clung to everything, defying gravity, lying vertically on light poles and trees. A tiny respite to an otherwise irritating task.

"That's a lovely view man," Alfonzo McHatten of the Sherman Park Neighborhood said. "I think it's beautiful. I love looking at the snow. All I want to do is look at it though."

Unfortunately for McHatten, he had a lot more to do than just look at it. While moving one of his vehicles, it got stuck. So he put it in neutral and had to get his truck up against the back bumper of the car to nudge it out.

"It stuck a little in here," McHatten said. "I got to bring old Betty Boo out. Pull her out. But it's winter in Milwaukee."

For others, dealing with the snow isn't as easy. Joyce Fularcyzk says her SUV is stuck after it got plowed in. She says she just isn't capable of getting it out on her own.

"I'm just by myself," Fularcyzk said. "I'm widowed. It's kind of hard to take care of it but I try my best."

Ald. Mark Borkowski took time out of his day to dig out Fularcyzk's car. He says he holds the plow crews accountable for keeping the streets clean but understands sometimes vehicles can get pinned in. However, he knows some people need the extra help.

"I really fear for them," Ald. Mark Borkowski said. "They, in essence, are trapped in their homes."

The City of Milwaukee offers assistance to the elderly and people with disabilities. For more information, visit the Department of Public Works website.

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