Should Natick Have a Sidewalk Shoveling Law?

Class was back in session here in Natick yesterday, and while the snow might have been plowed on the sidewalks in the immediate vicinity of the schools, in most parts of Natick there was a lot of snow on the sidewalk, making it difficult, if not impossible, to walk.

Many towns have local bylaws when it comes to shoveling the sidewalk. Natick has no such law, according to Town Administrator Martha White.

Marlborough has a local law which states that a property owner must clear the snow on the abutting sidewalk within 12 hours after the flakes stop falling. The penalty can be a $50 fine.

One problem that some towns have had with laws related to shoveling is when it comes to elderly or other people who are not physically able to shovel large amounts of snow like the two feet we just got.

Conversely, if people aren't forced to shovel the sidewalks, will the snow get cleared? If not, this could make it unsafe for people walking, especially children who walk to school.

So what do you think about this issue? Do you think Natick should have a law that requires people to shovel the snow on the sidewalk by their homes? Tell us in the comments section below.