Resident urges stronger outreach and enforcement after Somerville ice storm left corners uncleared

Ron Shaggala, 18 Fieldstone Drive, a Somerville resident of 25 years, told the borough council on Dec. 29 that many residents—including newer arrivals—are unaware of local sidewalk- and off-street parking rules that guide snow and ice cleanup and that several corners in the borough remained uncleared after a recent storm.

"Not all residents actually receive emails or check Facebook. So many new residents in Somerville aren't even aware that these ordinances exist," Shaggala said, urging reminders, signage and enforcement through warnings or tickets to keep sidewalks and corners safe for pedestrians and children walking to school.

Mayor Brian Gallagher thanked Shaggala for the "kudos" to contracted services and acknowledged how the storm's ice made removal difficult. Gallagher said police do ticket during storms but that staffing limits prevent perfect coverage. He said the borough will work with Jason, the OEM coordinator, to prepare a short one-sheet outlining expectations and that the borough will try to distribute it through schools, the library and social media.

No formal enforcement numbers were provided at the meeting, and council members did not vote on any ordinance change; the exchange concluded before the council took up a walk-on housing resolution.