Resident warns of unsafe sidewalks on Mentor Avenue; city explains snow-removal priorities

John Osberg, a Mentor resident, spoke during public comment to report walking in the street on Mentor Avenue because sidewalks were covered with slush and ice and plow deposits. "I was walking in the street... because the sidewalk was covered with slush and ice," Osberg said, and described other stretches (near Garfield Road and Center Street over the railroad tracks) where pedestrians had no safe place to walk.

Council and administration responded that the city's first priority during snow events is clearing roadways and critical facilities. "When we have snow events, the city's first priority is always to clear the roadways," the administration said, adding that specialized equipment exists for sidewalk clearance but that sidewalks are often the responsibility of property owners. A public-works representative said crews would review the specific location and discuss improvements in sidewalk plowing.

Council thanked the resident for raising the issue and said staff would follow up to investigate what occurred on Mentor Avenue and consider options, including potential additional sidewalk-plow resources or a future work session to study costs and feasibility.