Q&A
Council member inquires about snow removal assistance for seniors
0:47:45
ยท
65 sec
Council Member Inna Vernikov raises concerns about the difficulties seniors face in removing snow from sidewalks, asking about potential exemptions or assistance programs. DSNY officials acknowledge the challenge but note there are no current exemptions or specific programs in place.
- DSNY encourages community assistance for seniors who struggle with snow removal
- The issue is recognized as a recurring concern in these hearings
- Officials highlight the complexity of the issue, noting that seniors also need clear sidewalks for mobility
- There is an acknowledgment that a meaningful solution has not been developed despite the issue being raised multiple times over the years
Inna Vernikov
0:47:45
Thank you so much, and thank you all again for the incredible work you do in my district.
0:47:50
And congratulations, commissioner.
0:47:52
We look forward to working with you.
0:47:54
Just have one question regarding seniors.
0:47:56
As we all probably know, it's difficult for seniors to remove snow.
0:48:00
Some of them could be disabled or can afford to hire someone to do that.
0:48:05
So and I don't believe there are any exemptions for seniors.
0:48:08
If there are, please tell us.
0:48:09
But if not, what can we do to make it easier on them?
Javier Lojan
0:48:13
So we don't have any exemptions.
0:48:16
You know, we we what what we try to message is if there's anybody that you know, your neighbors or anything like that can help out, you know, that's what we encourage.
0:48:23
I don't think we have any other programs.
0:48:25
Right?
0:48:25
No.
Joshua Goodman
0:48:26
I I don't say council member, it's it's a such an important question that comes up at this hearing regularly.
0:48:31
And, obviously, the flip side of it is, you know, a senior who's trying to use the sidewalk needs it clear.
0:48:35
Right?
0:48:35
It could go either way.
0:48:36
Senior who's the property owner and can't clear or senior who's trying to get where they need to go.
0:48:40
For what it's worth, this has come up so many times over so many years, and there's never been a serious effort to produce a meaningful solution.
0:48:48
So it is something that we should all work on together.