Readers Write: We Do So Much Chesed, Let’s Clear the Corners Too

With the recent snowfall coming to an end, many homeowners have done a great job clearing their sidewalks and making pathways safe again. In a city like ours, where so many people rely on walking each day, those efforts truly matter.

However, there is one area that often gets overlooked. At many intersections, the corners leading into crosswalks are still blocked by piles of snow pushed there during storms and plowing. Even when the sidewalk itself is clear, those few extra inches at the corner can make it very difficult for parents pushing strollers, elderly residents, and young children trying to cross the street as part of their daily routine.

City crews from the New York City Department of Sanitation and other agencies do a great deal of work clearing the streets, but there are many spots where a small effort from nearby homeowners can make a huge difference. Taking a few extra minutes to open up the corners near your property can help create a safer and more accessible path for everyone in the neighborhood.

In our community, we are known for doing so much chesed and helping one another in meaningful ways. Clearing sidewalks is already a big step, but we should not stop at our property line. Going that extra inch or two to clear the corner by the crosswalk can help someone avoid a difficult or even dangerous situation.

A small act like this can go a long way. By thinking about parents with strollers, the elderly, and children walking to school, we can make our streets easier and safer for everyone. Let’s continue the kindness our community is known for and take that extra step when clearing the snow.

Rachel R.