Baker mulls steeper fines bill on snowy city sidewalks

Major Boston property owners may want to double-check that their snow-blowers are in working order as the city could as soon as next week receive the authority to impose much steeper fines for those who fail to keep their sidewalks free of snow.

Rep. Dan Hunt’s bill (H 3326) would increase the state cap on Boston fines for uncleared snow on sidewalks from the current $300 to a new maximum of $1,500, according to the Dorchester Democrat and City Hall.

Lawmakers sent the home-rule bill to Gov. Charlie Baker for his signature l;ast Thursday and he has until Jan 1. to take action on it.

“We ran into an issue in Dorchester two years ago when we had the catastrophic snowfall,” Hunt said. He said large property owners sometimes chose not to clear snow, or pushed it from their properties into the street.

While blizzards can transform Boston streets into a winter wonderland for spry pedestrians in snow gear, sidewalks piled with snow and ice can pose unique hazards for people who use wheelchairs or have difficulty walking around.

The bill would also allow fines of up to $1,500 on professional snow removers who dump snow in a public street. The proposed higher fine caps would not apply to apartment buildings with six or fewer units.

“I’m pleased the state legislature has passed thecCity’s proposed legislation to increase fines for commercial businesses who choose not to clear their sidewalks of snow,” Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. “During the winter, it’s vital that all businesses and residents do their part to make sure our cities and towns across the Commonwealth are safe and accessible, and I thank the Legislature for their work on this issue.”

According to a Walsh aide, determining new fines would be up for discussion between the mayor and the City Council once the council reconvenes in January.

Topics: 


Subscribe to the Dorchester Reporter