Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the “Plow the Sidewalks” pilot program, which aims to keep the city’s sidewalks clear of snow and ice by targeting four designated zones for regular maintenance.
Announced on Friday, May 30th, the initiative is projected to cost between $1.1 million and $3.5 million and will be implemented in areas each covering 1.5 square miles, including parts of Belmont Cragin, Austin, Brighton Park, Gage Park, Englewood, Uptown, and Lincoln Square.
The program will activate when snowfall exceeds two inches within a 24-hour period, covering up to seven major snow events or lasting one year, whichever is sooner.
Johnson, in a statement, said, “Chicago is a world-class city, and as a world-class city, it must be accessible for our seniors and individuals living with disabilities in the winter months during periods of heavy snow and ice.”
He added, “Our Plow the Sidewalks pilot program is an example of how our administration is committed to addressing the needs of all Chicagoans, and today is an important step forward in building a safer city where no resident is left behind.”
The city plans to divide the responsibility for these zones between municipal crews and private contractors, selected through a public bidding process.
The project will utilize multi-purpose tractors and seeks to employ methods that reduce noise and environmental impact.
The strategy ensures that snow removal does not block pedestrian paths, vehicular traffic, or emergency access points.
Despite the program’s intent to enhance public safety and accessibility, it has not been without its critics.
Alderman Marty Quinn of the 13th Ward, who has experience providing similar services to seniors in his district, spoke about the financial burden of such an undertaking.
“It’s a huge undertaking that’s going to cost millions of dollars. And even then, I don’t know if it can be perfected,” Quinn explained, stressing the long-term implications of setting a political precedent for citywide snow clearance.
In contrast, Alderman Gilbert Villegas of the 36th Ward and chair of the Economic Development Committee champions the initiative. Villegas, who pushed for the pilot, praised the mayor’s approach to starting on a smaller scale to address potential issues early.
“As a world-class city, we need to have the infrastructure in place to allow for people that have disabilities, seniors, and young families with strollers the ability to walk to the corner store in a way that’s not presenting a barrier,” he said.
Villegas remains optimistic about the program’s future impact, envisioning a positive shift in public sentiment.
“Once we get this service in place over the course of a few years,” he added, “we’ll be saying, ‘Man, you should have done this a long time ago.'”
Since the Blizzard of ’79 overwhelmed Chicago during then-Mayor Michael Bilandic’s tenure, the city’s politics have been deeply intertwined with snow removal.
This historical event has instilled a lasting apprehension towards snow management among mayors and city council members ever since.
