Lake Forest Residents Don't Want to Plow Own Sidewalks

In February, Lake Forest residents were asked to complete a short questionnaire on the Sidewalk Snow Plowing Program. The results, provided by Survey Monkey, are listed below:

1 I am satisfied with City service levels for a typical storm.

53% yes

35% no

11% neutral

2 I would be comfortable with the City taking longer to clear snow from paths and sidewalks.

35% yes

47% no

14% neutral

3 I would prefer the City clear snow from paths and sidewalks more quickly.

47% yes

24% no

24% neutral

4 I would be willing to pay more to have a higher level of service for clearing snow from paths and sidewalks.

21% yes

58% no

17% neutral

5 Top 3 recommended changes for Snow Plow Program:

a.  (25%)  The City would make no change to the current program and continue to plow all sidewalks in the same manner it currently does.

b.  (22.7%) The City would plow sidewalks in the same manner it currently does near schools and in the Central Business District, and continue to plow the remainder of residential sidewalks in the manner it currently does. 

c.  (15.3%) The City would plow sidewalks in the same manner it currently does near schools and in the Central Business District, and ask property owners to shovel the sidewalks in front of their property.

6 Should the City consider an ordinance that requires residents to clear the sidewalks in front of their house?

43.8% yes

56.2% no

The Public Works met to review the sidewalk survey results on April 14, 2014.  The Committee directed staff to further investigate snow blowing sidewalks that are within ¼ mile of schools and those sidewalks located adjacent to the City’s main roads (e.g. Green Bay, McKinley, Westleigh, Everett, etc.).  Staff will return to the Committee at a later date with approximate costs and a plan to provide such services.

The survey also showed that over 40% of residents did not know in which ward they resided.  This information can be found on the City’s website by selecting “I Want To” in the top blue bar on the home page, followed by “Find” and “Which Ward I Live In.”  This will link you to the Lake Forest Community Portal, where you may type in your address and see your US. and State Officials, voting locations and Aldermen contact information including your Ward Number.  Other tabs on that page (Property Summary and Zoning Information) also provide you with important information pertaining to your property.