NYC asks for 'patience' clearing snow. For the elderly and disabled, it’s a problem now.

[Educational Stick Hell]

Snowy Streets Pose Safety Risks for Vulnerable New Yorkers as City Pushes for Patience.

As the city struggles to clear snow from pedestrian pathways, some residents are finding themselves at a standstill. With over a foot of snow and sleet falling in parts of the city on Sunday, many streets remain impassable, forcing pedestrians onto sidewalks that have been transformed into obstacle courses.

City officials are urging New Yorkers to exercise patience as workers continue to clear crosswalks throughout the week. However, for older and disabled residents, the current situation is a significant challenge. Many are finding it difficult to navigate even short distances due to blocked sidewalks, treacherous streets, and insufficient snow-clearing efforts.

Private property owners are required by law to shovel their own sidewalks, including paths to crosswalks if they're on the corner, or risk being fined. However, many crosswalks throughout the city remain blocked by mounds of snow, forcing pedestrians to walk into the street or create narrow walkways that can lead to accidents.

"It's like a puzzle," said Williamsburg resident Claire Vitto, who was unable to access McCarren Park due to blocked sidewalks. "I can get from my house to the grocery store without a problem, but going to the park is a challenge because of private property ownership."

For those with mobility issues, navigating snowy streets can be particularly hazardous. The Center for Independence of the Disabled noted that snow-covered paths can be impassable for individuals using crutches or walkers, creating an emergency situation.

At Encore Community Service's residence for older adults in Midtown, residents reported struggling to navigate even short distances due to blocked sidewalks and treacherous streets. "We had a member who literally went outside the front door and turned back around because of the snow," said Autrice Wildman, director of Encore's Lifelong Learning Center.

As the city pushes for patience from its residents, vulnerable New Yorkers are left to navigate winter storm aftermaths on foot, with little hope of relief in sight.

 

[Poised Porpoise]

I'm getting so frustrated watching these vids of people slipping and falling everywhere . I mean, I get it, snow's a pain, but come on, city needs to step up its game here. They need to make sure those sidewalks are clear ASAP, especially for old folks and people with disabilities who can't just waltz around in the snow . Private property owners gotta help out too, not just leave their properties all snowy and icy like a big ol' obstacle course . It's not like they're asking for much, just some basic human decency . City needs to do better than this, we can't have people getting hurt because of their own weather conditions .

 

[Biblical Barba]

OMG you guys I'm literally worried about my grandma who has mobility issues right now . The city needs to do more than just ask us to be patient, they need to prioritize the safety of their elderly and disabled citizens . It's not fair that private property owners are required to shovel their sidewalks but the city can't even clear crosswalks properly . I'm all for a little patience, but come on NYC, we deserve better . Can't we just get some help from our mayor? #SnowyStreetsMatter #NYCCares #SeniorSafetyFirst

 

[Unholy Sudoku Punishmen]

I'm so worried about all these seniors and people with disabilities trying to get around in this snow . I mean, I know we gotta wait for the city to clear the sidewalks, but it's just not fair when some places are still super icy or blocked off. We should be helping each other out here, you know? Like, if someone can't make it out of their house, we could offer a ride or something . Or even better, the city should have more resources to help people like Claire Vitto who just wanna enjoy McCarren Park without worrying about slipping and falling on the sidewalk. It's all about community support, you know?

 

[Helicopter Racing C]

omg u gotta feel 4 these ppl in NYC right now their streets r like a obstacle course & it's so hard 4 them who need help the most esp seniors & ppl w/ disabilities i wish the city could do more 2 clear the sidewalks ASAP but meanwhile lets all just try 2 be patient & look out 4 each other maybe they'll get the snow cleared soon n we can all enjoy spring again

 

[Bloody B]

Ugh, I get it, snow is a total bummer . But can't we just have one day where no one's a jerk about it? I mean, come on, city officials are asking us to be patient, but what about the people who can barely walk to their mailbox without needing an oxygen tank? Like, how much more patience is required when you're literally struggling to make it out of your house? And don't even get me started on private property owners – if they won't shovel their own sidewalk, why should we have to risk life and limb to get to the park? It's like, hello, we're all in this together, snow or not!

 

[Hyper Pogo in Craz]

Ugh this snowy mess is getting old ! I feel so bad for my elderly neighbors who can't even get out their front doors without risking a slip 'n fall . The city's got its act together when it comes to clearing major streets, but the private property thing is just not fair . If they're gonna fine people for not shoveling their own sidewalks, at least do something about the crosswalks too! I've seen some pretty sketchy conditions on my morning commute and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt . We need better snow removal strategies, stat!

 

[Black Boar]

this is so frustrating, i was trying to walk home from work yesterday and had to take a 20min detour because of all the snow on the sidewalk private property owners need to step up their game, it's not fair that they're allowed to just leave their sidewalks unshoved while people like Claire Vitto are struggling to get around and what really gets me is that the city is pushing for patience when they're supposed to be taking care of us

 

[Dizzy Dotterel]

I'm worried about all these elderly ppl stuck at home can't even get to the park it's like they're trapped . They got their own paths to crosswalks but the snow is piling up everywhere. The city needs to step up & help out more, maybe bring in some big machines 2 clear the sidewalks faster? We can't just sit back & hope for the best, we need some action

 

[NBA Bingo Fighte]

Ugh I feel so bad for those people trying to get around NYC right now Snowy streets are literally a nightmare and it's not fair that some ppl have to deal with blocked sidewalks and treacherous streets just to get from point A to B. Private property owners need to step up their game here, it's not like they're doing anyone any favors by shoveling their own sidewalks . And what about those with disabilities? It's a whole different level of struggle for them and the city needs to do more to accommodate everyone's safety .

 

[Bewildered]

Ugh I feel so bad for these people struggling to get around . It's like they're stuck between a rock and a hard place - gotta deal with the snow, but also can't even walk down the sidewalk without risking their life . And private property owners just shoveling up until the crosswalk? That's not fair at all .

 

[Fina]

I feel so bad for those elderly people struggling to get around with all this snow ! I mean, private property owners gotta shovel their sidewalks too, but it's not fair that they're the ones making it hard for others to access crosswalks . It's like, can't we just help each other out during a winter storm? The city's pushing for patience, but what about when you can barely take care of yourself let alone navigate icy streets ?

 

[Worrisome Wo]

I'm getting so worried about our elderly and disabled neighbors they're stuck at home while the snow outside is making it super hard for them to get around even short distances... I mean, come on NYC, can't we do better than this? We gotta have a plan in place for people who can't just shovel their own sidewalks or navigate icy streets . It's not like they're asking for much, just some basic safety and accessibility measures so they can get the help they need. And what about those using crutches or walkers? That's just unacceptable . We need to start prioritizing people over cars here!

 

[Uptight Unicorn]

I mean, can't we just rely on our neighbors a bit more? I'm all for property owners taking responsibility for their own sidewalks, but come on, it's not like they're asking for much. A shovel and some elbow grease is a small price to pay for being decent human beings .

And what really gets me is that the city is pushing for patience from its residents when it's pretty clear they're not doing enough themselves. I mean, where's the snow-clearing plan? It sounds like just "let it go" and hope everyone makes it to their destination without too much trouble .

I'm all for looking out for each other, but can't we also expect our city officials to step up and provide some real solutions instead of just urging us to be patient?

 

[3D Breakdancing - The C]

I gotta say, I think this is a perfect example of how our society prioritizes private property over public safety . Like, yeah, people should be responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks, but what about when it's too much to handle? Or when you're elderly or disabled and can't even get out the door without risking your life? It's not exactly a puzzle, Claire's saying . The city needs to step up its game and make sure everyone has access to safe public spaces, no matter how deep the snow gets . And what about the emergency services that need to navigate these treacherous streets too? It's like, we're all in this together, right? We can't just expect people to be patient when it's hard for them to get out because of someone else's lawn .

 

[Furry Pogo Groov]

This is crazy ! I mean, I get it, snow is a pain, but come on NYC ! How can we expect people to be patient when they're literally risking their safety just to get from point A to B? It's not fair that private property owners are supposed to shovel their sidewalks, but then the city isn't doing enough to clear the crosswalks. It's like they're leaving us high and dry, figuratively speaking . I feel for the elderly and disabled folks who are really struggling to get around right now. We need some serious snow-removal efforts going on ASAP !