How About Rochester? MN Cities Debate Taking Over Sidewalk Shoveling

It's a chore of winter here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes that many of don't like to do, but we have to-- or we could end up with a fine. But some cities in Minnesota are now taking this wintertime chore off the hands of home and property owners.

Shoveling snow is almost as much a part of winter in Minnesota as the cold weather itself, right? And, keeping those sidewalks clear is something most cities (like Rochester) require of residents. Unless you live in an apartment, townhouse or condo, that is. But now, some cities in Minnesota have decided to take over snow removal on ALL city sidewalks.

Here in Rochester, of course, if you're a property owner, you have 24 hours after a snowfall to get those sidewalks cleared-- or you could get a fine.  (Check out Rochester's policy HERE.) Sure, the city takes care of clearing the sidewalks downtown, but in the residential areas, you're on your own.

According to this Star Tribune story, though, in Crystal, they're talking about having the city take care of ALL snow removal on ALL sidewalks. That's already what's being done in other Twin Cities suburbs, like in Bloomington, Golden Valley and Coon Rapids.

Hmm. Would you want the city of Rochester to shovel your sidewalks for you? What about in the summer? Our they going to mow the lawn in the boulevards for us too?!? I guess I'd be OK with that new policy-- as long as my taxes didn't go up to pay for it. But I actually don't mind shoveling our sidewalks. That's probably because we have a fairly small lot in northwest Rochester, and it's not a huge chore.

In fact, now that I think about it, don't worry about the sidewalks, Rochester... I've got those. But if you could take over shoveling out that big huge pile of snow the plow leaves at the end of the driveway, they'd be onto something... am I right?!?

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