[blparent] Off-topic sidewalks I can't get through because of snow.

[Tara Briggs]

 Hi all, I am just writing with an update on the sidewalk situation for anyone who is curious. I got a hold of a man from my city does code and forcing. He very kindly went out looked at the area and got after three businesses. He told them they needed to get it cleared up. The other problem I am having is a long a part of the walk where somebody from out-of-state owns the property and it's a canal. He said he would come and take a look at that my husband uses a power wheelchair I need to cut curbs to be free of snow. He very kindly gave me the name of the people that are in charge of that. I really appreciate his help. 
Anyway, that's where things stand right now. For those who are curious is a mile between my condo and the track station where I have access to public transportation. It is primarily businesses along the route.
Thanks!
Tara.  
PS I was so grateful to have the help from somebody from my city. The kind of kindness sure gives me faith and hope 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 17, 2015, at 7:50 PM, Steve Jacobson via BlParent <blparent at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Tara,
> 
> First, I agree with you that it is worth trying to find a solution to this
> rather than just assuming that paratransit is the only way around it.  We
> have a lot of snow and ice here in Minneapolis, and there is a city law that
> walks must be cleared within 24 hours.  However, that doesn't mean they are
> cleared well, and sometimes one has to get somewhere before the 24 hours are
> up.
> 
> To make any kind of meaningful suggestions, it is necessary to understand
> more about what you are encountering.  
> 
> What do you mean when you say the sidewalk is blocked?  Is there large piles
> of snow across the walk or is it more that it has not been shoveled so there
> are several inches of loose snow covering it?  
> 
> How far do you have to walk on uncleared sidewalk to get to the
> transportation you need?
> 
> Is this primarily a business or residential area, and is the city
> responsible for clearing the sidewalks or is it the responsibility of the
> residents?  
> 
> How busy are the streets?  I would not rule them out, but some thought needs
> to be given to maximize safety.
> 
> For many of us, winter is simply a necessary part of life, but it brings
> with it somechallenges.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Steve Jacobson
> 
> ----Original Message-----
> From: BlParent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tara Briggs
> via BlParent
> Sent: Thursday, December 17, 2015 1:34 PM
> To: Blind Parents Mailing List <blparent at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Tara Briggs <thflute at gmail.com>
> Subject: [blparent] Off-topic sidewalks I can't get through because of snow.
> 
> Hi all, I am writing with a question that might or might not be off topic.
> The sidewalks from my house are so badly blocked with snow that I would need
> to walk into the street to get to public transportation.this concerns me
> because I have my 16-month-old daughter that I carry on my back and I don't
> really like the idea of walking out into the street with her.have you guys
> had any luck resolving this issue? I have tried the city manager who
> complains about how annoying the businesses are and then has his guys shovel
> it a couple times a year I have tried the mayors office who tells me to use
> Paratransittransportation.  I do not like this idea because you can wait for
> up to 30 minutes in the cold waiting for your ride. It would take me less
> time to walk to transportation than that. Addition, it's four dollars a ride
> and I don't want to spend that money. The other problem I have with it is
> you have to schedule it the day before. I feel I have a right to leave my
> house and take transportation when I want to. Not when you Teays paratransit
> says I can.I have now tried the disability Law Center who says they'll get
> back to you in a couple days.anyway, any help or suggestions of what you
> guys have done on this particular issue that has worked would be great!
> Thanks
> Tara
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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