Common sense, cents dictate shoveling rules in Lynn

LYNN – Local public works directors hope diligent residents and today’s anticipated higher temperatures will clear sidewalks clogged by two weeks’ worth of snow and rain.Property owners who procrastinate could receive a $25 ticket from the city. Inspectional Services Chief Michael Donovan said 700 tickets have been written since last Saturday.City ordinances require property owners to clear sidewalks within four hours of a snowfall that stops in daylight hours. Walks should be cleared by 10 p.m. if snow stops during the evening. Snow and ice should not be dumped into streets.”I don’t understand the lack of compliance. There has been a lot of notice on these storms,” Donovan said.At least one death in Massachusetts this month has been blamed on impassable walks forcing pedestrians into roadways. Lynn Public Works Commissioner Jay Fink said the heightened danger to walkers, including children making their way to and from schools, underscores property owners’ responsibility for clearing walks.”I saw a little girl walking down a road the other day and said to myself, ‘What is she doing?’ Then I saw the sidewalk wasn’t cleared,” Fink said.The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is responsible for clearing snow from waiting areas and walkways around the Central Square commuter garage, rail platform and bus stops.The city is responsible for clearing walks bordering parks and schools, but Fink warned Thursday, “I don’t really have the resources to do what I need to do.”Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from walks in front of their homes or businesses, but Lynn’s Web site urges residents with heart or other health problems to avoid the shovel.Revere city ordinances provide for fines of up to $250 for shoveling scofflaws, but Public Works Director Donald Goodwin said he cuts older residents some slack, especially after last week’s double dumping of snow and rain.”You have to use good judgment in asking someone to shovel eight inches of concrete because that’s what it basically was last week,” Goodwin said.His crews clear sidewalks on business thoroughfares but expect merchants to continue keeping the walkways clear.Local insurance agents said property owners are protected under their policies from legal action taken by someone who slips and falls in front of their property.Revere agent Daniel Rizzo said winning a slip and fall suit involves proving property owner negligence in clearing ice and snow. The standard for owner protection against such suits was set in 1978 when a homeowner who did not clear a walk after moving to Florida for the winter won a case a slip and fall case.