SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The snow won't start falling for a couple of months, but workers for the city of Syracuse are already thinking about winter.
They're using data to identify major roads that need their sidewalks cleared first.
The city will remove snow from 16 areas across the city, representing about 20 miles of roads. That includes South Salina, James and West Genesee streets.
GPS devices will also be installed on plows, so residents can track progress. City leaders are also considering adding sensors to plows to alert drivers when they come close to objects.
Some neighbors say it's a step in the right direction.
"I think in the past, the city of Syracuse may be a little lackadaisical about that," said Rick Kier, the Pro Scapes Inc. president. "Now, I think the current administration is really taking the bull by the horns and driving ahead to make a big difference"
The DPW will cover the cost of the program this year.
City officials are in the process of hiring a contractor and hope to be ready by December 1.
They will also have a new website to notify residents about response times, parking ordinances, sidewalk clearance and reporting concerns.
Sidewalks that will be cleared first:
- Butternut Street
- Columbus Avenue
- East Genesee Street
- Glenwood /South Avenue
- Grant Boulevard
- James Street
- Park Street
- Pond Street
- South Avenue
- South Geddes Street
- South Salina Street
- Teall Avenue
- West Brighton Avenue
- West Genesee Street
- West Onondaga Street (two parts)
Project timeline:
9/20 – Release RFP
10/30 – Proposals due
11/1 – Target RFP committee meeting
11/7 – Contractor recommendation to council
11/19 – Target council approval
11/26 – Contract execution
12/1 – Pilot start