Pick up the slack

Ann Arbor's snow removal job falls short

It has been more than a week since the winter season's major snowstorm dropped inches of snow on the Midwest. As both workplaces and schools faced no choice but to shut down, and only in the past few days have returned to their normal schedules, Ann Arbor remains covered in snow.

The city should be prepared for this type of weather - severe snow and unpredictable weather are common in Michigan. The vast majority of students are waking up early to attend classes, bravely dodging cars and getting covered in slush because walking in the streets can often be faster and easier than tromping through snow drifts. Many find themselves running 10 minutes late, skating across the Diag and slipping on the 'M' only to finally take a wet seat in a classroom with a blackboard that states class has been canceled because the professor could not get his car out of the driveway.

Yes, these are obstacles students face every winter, but it makes the city of Ann Arbor and the University appear unprepared for the severe weather of this season. Even Duke University, located in the comparatively balmy state of North Carolina, could be considered more prepared as it owns the state's only snow plow.

Snowplows have been working with snow as it falls - yet not consistently after it has fallen. The effort is good, but misguided - streets need to be plowed after the storm as well as during it. It is ridiculous that the University can be somewhat incapacitated by the city's half-hearted attempt at snow removal. With only one quarter of University students living on campus, the majority of students need sidewalks and driveways to be cleared to get around town. But residential Ann Arbor is not the only mess - the University campus itself could use some serious help.

Only narrow walks have been shoveled, and even those are slippery. The snow is piling up. Several of the city's already limited parking spots have become homes for drift deposits. It is January - the temperature is below freezing. The snow will not go anywhere on its own. Off campus, homeowners and campus leasing agencies should take part of the responsibilty of keeping their property safe. It is the responsibility of the city and the University to shovel their property - residents and students need to take the responsibility to encourage them to do so.

Unlike primary and secondary schools, attendance at college or jobs is often not discretionary. Ability to leave the house and go to work or school is not a luxury, nor is the ability to walk or drive to that destination without risk of injury. These are necessities. And the expectation that those responsible should maintain safe conditions is not unreasonable.

A story of Law students who sued the University for canceling classes due to bad weather is circulated every winter season to explain why students must brave the weather every day. But it is unrealistic to expect all students to attend classes when parts of campus are practically impassable.

The University community and city of Ann Arbor need to work together so that the season can be safer and more bearable. The forces of nature are powerful and cannot be fought - but the consequences are well within human control.

01-12-99