Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Eyes on the Street

Eyes on the Street: City Can’t Keep Up With Snowy Sidewalk Complaints

They haven't been visible for a while, but there are stairs under that snow. Photo: Brad Aaron
They haven't been visible for a while, but there are stairs under that snow. Photo: Brad Aaron
Maybe today? File photo: Brad Aaron

New Yorkers are told to notify 311 about sidewalks that need to be cleared of snow and ice. That's what I did after I came across the 214th Street steps on Saturday, but as of today my request has yet to be acted on.

Over two days after what was at the time the most recent snowfall, these steps, which are adjacent to Isham Park and connect Park Terrace West with Seaman Avenue, remained covered. I'm fairly able-bodied and would prefer to stay that way, so rather than attempt to get down the stairs I decided to backtrack and take another route.

On Saturday afternoon I filed a service request with 311 online. This morning I got the following message:

Your Service Request was closed.

Work to correct the reported condition has been deferred because of seasonal considerations and will be corrected as soon as possible.

Depending on worker availability every effort is being made to clear the area. Please be patient.

Though streets had long been cleared for motorists by Saturday, the city still hasn't made them passable for New Yorkers on foot. This response makes it seem as if crews can't keep up with dangerous conditions for pedestrians reported to 311.

Sure enough, as of this afternoon the 214th Street steps had not been touched.

Have you gotten results by notifying the city of snowy sidewalks? Let us know in the comments.

After the jump, photos from Ken Coughlin of snowbound NYC bike routes, all taken on Saturday.

Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway, near 88th Street. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway, near 88th Street. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Path connecting Riverside Drive to Hudson River Greenway. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Central Park West bike lane on Saturday. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Central Park West bike lane on Saturday. Photo: Ken Coughlin
Central Park West bike lane on Saturday. Photo: Ken Coughlin

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Judge Lets Court Street Bike Lane Live … For Now

Businesses sued too late to stall the redesign, a judge said. But a wider ruling will come as soon as next month.

October 30, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines: Janno’s Speaking Edition

Local news outlets had a field day after MTA CEO Janno Lieber reiterated his longstanding skepticism of Zohran Mamdani's free buses platform. Plus more news.

October 30, 2025

Decision 2025: Ben Chou Hopes to Unseat Vickie Paladino on Street Safety

Chou, who grew up biking in and around the district, called out his opponent's anti-bike "fear-mongering."

October 30, 2025

Vision Zero Hero! Former FDNY Commish Wants Agency To Join the Safe Streets Fight

Former FDNY Commissioner wants the agency to stop taking a back seat on street safety.

October 30, 2025

Crunching Numbers to Curb Crashes: Using Federal Data to Make Our Roads Safer

Upholding federal data transparency is key to understanding and reversing the alarming level of crashes, fatalities, and strained infrastructure. Here's where we have more work to do.

October 30, 2025

After Dismissing Streetsblog’s Reporting, FDNY Simplifies Rules for E-Bike Charging Stations … That Streetsblog Exposed

The FDNY changed its guidelines in the middle of a City Council hearing where it faced questions about delays to the program.

October 29, 2025
See all posts