Published: March 01, 2007 10:52 am      

City doesn't comply with own snow ordinance

Although I am not a resident of Cumberland, I am aware that there are a number of individuals that walk to work or downtown. As I was driving through today, I saw a man walking at the edge of the road on Industrial Boulevard. I am sure that this isn't where this man walks daily, but it was impossible for him to walk on the sidewalk, as they are covered with snow.

I just cannot comprehend why it is required for the residents of Cumberland to clean the sidewalks in front of their homes, however, the city public works department isn't required to clean sidewalks such as those on Industrial Boulevard. It really doesn't make sense that citizens can be cited for their "failure to comply" with these city standards, but the same city making the laws can break them.

I often see the Sheriff's Department out with inmate work crews in the summer, doing litter cleanup, etc. I don't see why they cannot bring those same crews out to shovel a few sidewalks. It just seems safer for pedestrians to walk on a sidewalk rather than on the side of the road.

Stacey Sgaggero
Wiley Ford, W.Va.