Bus stops are not accessible to many riders--need to be cleared of snow (memo from County Exec)

Bus stops around Greenburgh remain inaccessible to residents—memo from County Exec---and a thank you to NYS DOT

A big thank you to the NYS Department of Transportation for removing large mounds of snow and ice in front of restaurants, barber shops, markets, and convenience stores near the 4 corners in Hartsdale. The State DOT spent many hours removing the ice and snow mounds. Local businesses, blocked by the mounds, lost significant business during the past week. The work the state DOT did is enormously appreciated.

NEXT ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED- BUS STOPS

Over the years Westchester County has placed bus stops at key locations around the town. Important bus stops are located on Central Ave, 119, Saw Mill River Road, Hillside Ave and other major roads.

I have reached out to the County Executive because many residents have contacted me concerned that they have been unable to safely take advantage of the bus stops due to mounds of ice/snow at these stops. The County Executive, in response to the correspondence, was kind enough to send me the following response. I have reached out to the Commissioner of Public Works and asked if the town could help clear the snow from the stops- and bill the landowners for the work we do. And will discuss this matter with the Town Board.

If there are key bus stops that need to be cleared of snow and are difficult to get to please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. It’s important that riders stay off slippery roads while waiting for buses. Could be dangerous. Last weeks storm created major problems for businesses and many others. I hope we can address this quality of life concern soon.

Paul Feiner

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

FROM THE E MAIL I RECEIVED FROM COUNTY EXEC KEN JENKINS

“Pursuant to the Town Ordinance, Chapter 430, Article V – Snow and Ice Removal:

§ 430-15 - Duty to keep sidewalks free of obstructions.

The landowner of any property abutting any street, highway or road in the Town and the occupant of any premises where a sidewalk or pedestrian walkway has been installed are required to keep the sidewalk bordering the property or premises free and clear of snow, ice, dirt or other obstructions within 24 hours after an obstruction is created. In the event that the obstruction cannot be removed without damaging the sidewalk, the use of salt and/or ashes is permitted to the extent otherwise permitted by law.

§ 430-16 - Failure to remove.

If any landowner or occupant fails to keep his property or premises free and clear of snow, ice, dirt or any other obstruction as set forth in § 430-15 above within 24 hours, the Town may perform removal and bill the costs to the landowner. Any work performed pursuant to this section shall be a lien upon the property until paid.

It appears the property owner is responsible for clearing snow and ice within 24 hours. The Town then has the ability to remove and charge the homeowner.

Local property owners are required to clear those bus stops, except in the case where there are bus shelters with advertisements. The County is working with the shelter vendors to clear at least a pathway to get on and off the bus in those instances.

Due to the extreme cold weather, everyone is in the same position, a manual operations to clear pathways to the street as the snowplowed streets have now turned into walls of ice that cannot be removed without using contractors with heavy equipment.

Local DPWs are working with County DPW as the local muni has had the challenge of where to take the snow/ice. In your case, Commissioner Fon would reach out to Commissioner Greechan to see if there are additional contractors we could recommend to the Town.

Again, it is the responsibility of the local property owner in the Town but realistically, the local DPW professionals have been executing plans as this snow/ice combination is above the capabilities for most of the property owners. We are not expected to be above freezing until next Tuesday.

The County trusts the professionals in DPW that are doing the very best in this situation.

Ken Jenkins

County Executive

Westchester County”