Politics & Government
WPB Chamber, SSA Ready For Snow Removal
Private contractors hired by the WPB Chamber of Commerce are prepared to clear the SSA's sidewalks in the event of snow.
With the first snowfall of the year expected soon and flurries of "thundersnow" on the horizon, the Wicker Park-Bucktown Special Service Area and Chamber of Commerce are prepared to have area sidewalks cleared should the need arise.
The chamber has snow removal contracts with Cleanslate and Christy Webber Landscapes to plow sidewalks and crosswalks covered by the SSA's boundaries when there is at least one inch of snowfall. The contractors will also salt the sidewalks when conditions are icy.
"We have spoken with both vendors today," Program Manager Jessica Wobbekind said via email on Dec. 20. "They have been watching the weather reports and are prepared to be out if there is snow."
Find out what's happening in Bucktown-Wicker Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
According to Wobbekind, Cleanslate is contracted for snow removal along Milwaukee Avenue, while Christy Webber will handle the rest of the SSA. The contracts require each company to be out clearing sidewalks until snow stops falling, and to follow up in 48 hours to remove any snow blown onto sidewalks by wind.
The chamber was the contracting organization that hired the companies for snow removal, but the funding was provided by the SSA.
Find out what's happening in Bucktown-Wicker Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While the SSA has paid these contractors to help clear sidewalks as a supplementary service, the city still holds property owners legally responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
In terms of clearing streets, the City of Chicago's Streets and Sanitation department will send plows out if they're needed, although an email newsletter from 32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack informed residents that they would not be plowing alleys. The email stated that residents could use private plows to clear out their alleys, but that they should be mindful not to push snow in front of neighbors' garages.
The email also urged area residents to keep winter parking restrictions in mind and check in on neighbors in need throughout the winter.
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