Snowy sidewalks could cost homeowners

Ready or not, winter is around the corner and if it's anything like last year, there will be plenty of snow in Anchorage. (KTUU-TV)

John Weddleton, president of the Anchorage Citizens Coalition, said the snow presents a problem every winter. (Jason Kohler/KTUU-TV)

A proposed plan would require homeowners to remove snow from parking areas on their property as well as the sidewalks in front of it after two inches of snowfall. (KTUU-TV)

Assembly Vice Chair Debbie Ossiander said although she agrees that sidewalks should be kept clear for walkers, she thinks the sidewalk shoveling goals are unrealistic. (Jason Kohler/KTUU-TV)

The entire plan goes up for a vote on Oct. 9. (KTUU-TV)

by Jennifer Zilko
Monday, Sept. 17, 2007

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Ready or not, winter is around the corner and if it's anything like last year, there will be plenty of snow in Anchorage.

The city gets the task of cleaning up roadways, but who gets to clean up sidewalks? A new plan put before the Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday would answer that question.

The sidewalks are clear now, but a look at the mountains shows winter is quickly making its way down to the Anchorage bowl.

Once the snow starts falling, getting around town on foot will get a little more difficult.

John Weddleton, president of the Anchorage Citizens Coalition, said the snow presents a problem every winter.

"It's not good for anybody. It's not good for the walker, it's not good for car drivers to have to dodge these people," Weddleton said.

The Anchorage Pedestrian plan was devised to make the city safer and friendlier to walkers.

One part of the plan would require homeowners to remove snow from parking areas on their property as well as the sidewalks in front of it after two inches of snowfall.

The proposed plan would cover the hours between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Under the plan, homeowners who don't get to their sidewalks before more than two inches of snow fall could be fined up to $1,000.

The idea is getting some mixed reviews.

Assembly Vice Chair Debbie Ossiander said although she agrees that sidewalks should be kept clear for walkers, she thinks the sidewalk shoveling goals are unrealistic.

"I opposed that principally, because we already have a law on the books that requires that in business districts and we're not able to enforce that," Ossiander said.

But people like Weddleton think any laws designed to keep walkways clear are a step in the right direction.

"Right off the bat it recognizes that walking is part of our transportation network. That's a critical feature. The sidewalks around town -- where we have them -- are well used and it's hard for people to get in the habit of using them all the time when they're unreliable," Weddleton said.

The entire plan goes up for a vote on Oct. 9.

Contact Jennifer Zilko at jzilko@ktuu.com