Somerville Approves 'Scarlet Letter' Snow-Shoveling Enforcement

This winter, Somerville residents who don’t shovel their sidewalks will receive a “Scarlet Letter” on their front door.

Somerville’s Board of Aldermen recently updated the city’s snow-removal laws, and under the new laws, if residents don’t shovel, city inspectors will hang a brightly-colored citation, aka “Scarlet Letter,” on their front door, according to Boston Magazine.

Aldermen told the magazine the “letters” are meant to hold residents accountable and let others know that the city is on top of enforcement.

In addition, aldermen raised the city’s snow-shoveling fines from $25 to $50 for first offenses and $50 to $100 for second offenses and reduced the amount of time residents will have to clear their sidewalks, according to the report.

Do you support the “Scarlet Letter” approach? Let us know in the comments below.

Boston Magazine: Somerville Will Hand Out ‘Scarlet Letters’ for Unshoveled Sidewalks