I’m writing out of concern for the ongoing issue of uncleared sidewalks throughout our village. While these are technically state roads, they are also the roads and sidewalks our community depends on every day. When snow is pushed onto the sidewalks and left uncleared—and in some cases, when sidewalks are never shoveled to begin with—it creates real safety hazards and accessibility problems.
Pedestrians are forced into the street, parking becomes difficult or unsafe, and in many cases drivers cannot even open their car doors when parking along the road. Many of us, on Main Street, work hard to keep our sidewalks clear and safe for the public, but not all property owners do the same.
This situation also affects our small businesses during an already slow time of year. Customers avoid walking in unsafe conditions, and the lack of accessible sidewalks discourages people from visiting the village at all.
I’m asking for the public’s helo in bringing attention to this issue. Our community needs clarity on who is willing to take responsibility for sidewalk maintenance on our state road, and we need a workable plan that keeps our village safe, walkable, and welcoming.
I would like to thank the community in advance for consideration of this important issue.
Kim Loxley Belleavoine
Owner of The Hen House
The Town Council needs to stop the blame game of whose responsibility it is to clear the sidewalks. Ultimately, the taxpayers of Glocester bear the burden, while our local businesses suffer the loss of revenue resulting from unplowed sidewalks. If it means that a modicum of increase in the public works department line-item budget should be increased to cover the expense of clearing these sidewalks, include the projected amount. Clear sidewalks provide safety for those who use them and enable shoppers to access our local businesses.
I have been here in town for over 20 years at The Town Trader Shop on Rt 44 In the Village and been asking the town and state to please clear the snow the state plows push up on the sidewalks clearing Rt 44. They keep telling me its not there responsibility
they don’t listen grrrr