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

Trump Culture War Tantrum Turns to Gateway Tunnel and Second Ave. Subway

It's the second time the Trump administration has denied New York transit funding in as many days.

October 1, 2025

West Side Pols Call on Trump Administration to Stop Illegally Blocking 10th Ave. Bike Lane

The DEA blockade of the 10th Avenue bike lane continues, and local politicians are demanding the federal agency stop denying cyclists safety.

October 1, 2025

When the DOT Takes Your Bike: A Cyclist’s Guide to Getting It Back 

A bike commuter's frustrating journey through New York's bureaucratic maze reveals a hidden problem affecting cyclists citywide. 

October 1, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: This is Your DOT on Drugs Edition

Yes, that's our editor consuming drugs in front of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration office on 10th Avenue to protest the agency's seizure of the bike lane. Plus other news.

October 1, 2025

BIG ZERO: Trump Stiffs MTA in ‘Sanctuary City’ Tantrum

The federal government is denying the MTA tens of millions of dollars in public safety funding over of New York's immigration policies.

September 30, 2025

Gale’s A-Blowin’: Brewer Abandons Daylighting Bill After Push By Parking-First DOT

DOT's anti-daylighting "scare tactics" have peeled off Council Member Gale Brewer, who says the policy will gobble up too many parking spots.

September 30, 2025
See all posts