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City: Sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice by the property owners

A MAN bundled up and wearing a face mask to stay warm shovels snow after a recent snowstorm in Martins Ferry.

MARTINS FERRY — City leaders are reminding everyone that keeping their sidewalks clear of snow and ice is not just for their benefit, it is also the law.

During this week’s Martins Ferry City Council meeting, Councilman Rick Rodgers reminded people that both residents and business property owners are responsible for clearing their sidewalks after it snows, said Council President Kristine Davis.

“We acknowledged the frequency of the snow this year, but people need to make some reasonable effort to keep sidewalks clear,” Davis said. “Many have not.”

In addition to someone falling and potentially getting hurt, such accidents can also affect the property or homeowner’s insurance, she noted.

Rodgers often walks around the city and notices the state of the sidewalks, roads and buildings year-round.

He brings up his concerns during council meetings.

While it is the property owner’s responsibility to care for the sidewalks, city workers have been working to keep the roads clear during the past few snowstorms.

After the last heavy storm that dumped 6-8 inches of snow on the region, Mayor John Davies said city workers not only cleared the roadways, but took extra care to clean up the downtown area.

Front-end loaders were used to remove snow from the parking spots along the downtown streets so patrons could more easily get to the businesses there. The snow was placed into dump trucks and removed from the area.

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