Montgomery County has taken action to address at least one of the dangerous unshoveled sidewalk situations in downtown Bethesda. A County code enforcement officer visited the site of the future Artena Bethesda apartment building (7938-8008 Wisconsin Avenue, and 8011-13 Woodmont Avenue), and issued a violation notice for the sidewalks in front of these properties, which remained unshoveled five days after the storm ended. The property owner's contractor has now shoveled a path in response to the order, which threatened $520 in fines if the sidewalks were not cleared in 24 hours, and $750 per day after that. Montgomery County requires property owners to clear sidewalks in front of their buildings within 24 hours of the precipitation ending.
13 comments:
Has the sidewalk on the Wisconsin Ave side of that block been cleared?
More bus stops have been cleared but often not the side walks going to them.
No school tomorrow. Again. Bank on it.
It's downright comical that the sidewalk you showed is in front of completely empty buildings and ones that come spring will be torn down. There are dozens if not thousands of sidewalks in the commerical sector, where people need to have clear access, that are not cleared and won't be anytime soon it seems. Again, no citations will be issued. Thanks Elrich!
Maybe Montgomery County should fine itself for the terrible job they did clearing the streets. In so many areas, only one narrow lane was cleared so cars can’t pass each other. Then, some lanes are partially cleared and come to an abrupt end so you have to slam on your breaks. How many accidents has this caused? Why can’t the plow trucks clear full lanes?
The county took a new "10 days to stop the spread" approach to snow. Everyone stay home until it melts. Problem is not everyone can just stay home for 10 days.
I get it - snow removal is hard work. But in the past the county worked like hell to clear the way and open schools. What the heck is our tax money going for? The storm played out as forecasted - they knew exactly what was coming.
Good points! Although ... that stretch of sidewalk normally sees a lot of foot traffic.
MoCo WX - I'm not sure the weather matched the forecast. I recall the forecast was calling for much more snow. So you're point about readiness is even better stated. And when will schools open? They are going to get that much more cleared today? Has anyone seen a plow? I haven't seen one anywhere from Bethesda to Rockville to Kensington. Shovel your darn walks already. Holler if you see a plow. They'll be two hours late tomorrow at an absolute minimum.
Except plenty of people use that stretch of sidewalk to get to businesses such as Trader Joes (or Harris Teeter in the opposite direction or reach Cordell and Rugby streets). I was headed to TJ' other day and nearly slipped -- both sides (Woodmont and Wisconsin) were untouched. While I hate this block is undeveloped, plenty of people need to walk past it daily to get to other downtown businesses or their apartment homes.
Can they fine business that did a TINY walk way, i had to help someone in a walker because they couldnt even get through. I am lucky to be able to walk over the mounds of ice. Many are not and its BS. I understand that this is a very difficult situation but the county needs to communicate. What is Bethesda supposed to do? How much are they in charge of regarding cleanup?
Interesting you mention Artena Bethesda………
I don’t see Artena Bethesda going up unless the 5 or 6 Large Apt Buildings that have recently been finished over the last year or so are able to fill up with substantially more tenants………
Clear the snow for us pedestrians AND open the damn schools! Yes, when I went to B-CC in the '70's, WE did walk to school both ways uphill in the snow. This is ridiculous, pathetic and embarrassing for the county. BITD, MCPS were never closed for 6 days straight even for that huge snowfall we got on GW's Birthday/Prez Day. These people are all soft. New technology vehicles, always highly caffeinated, in a hurry and still complaining about safety. Bundle up, shovel up, drive smart and get yer' *ss to class and work! Ps- as someone already correctly pointed out, hellrich is covering up the check engine light with stick tape on everything associated with him.
5:49am it's true. If you live in one of the many buildings downtown near there, that is a main walkway in addition to the other side on Wisconsin, which also wasn't shoveled on time.
it's 15 degrees out and you start walking but figure out you have to turn around and cross the street to proceed. So doubles your time in dangerously cold weather. All because an out of state developer didn't feel like clearing it.
No need to clear that, only maids and day nannies walk it.
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