The city’s snow removal policy requires homeowners to clear their sidewalks or possibly face a $50 fine.
Here are the rules: If the snow stops falling after 7 p.m., the sidewalk must be clear by 9 a.m. the following morning. If the snow stops falling after 9 a.m., the sidewalk should be accessible by 7 p.m.
But where does that leave people who can’t manage shoveling snow and ice themselves?
The city’s public works department started a program called Snow Buddies to help. Through the program, people can sign up to get matched with a neighbor who will clear their sidewalks and the walkways from their house.
If you’re someone who can’t pay for a snow removal service and you don’t have a friend or family member to help out, you can sign up to receive the help of a snow buddy online.
If you’re able to help out your neighbors, you can apply online to be a snow buddy. You’ll be matched with someone who lives near you, unless you want to travel farther. You have to clear the snow within 24 hours after the last flake falls. You’realso expected to clear public sidewalks and the pathways or steps that lead from the house to the sidewalk; you don’t have to clear off cars or driveways.
It’s all volunteer based, and the city’s website says snow buddies should only accept hot cocoa or coffee as payment.
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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
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