G.R. Residents — Clean Your Icy Sidewalks or Get Fined

If you own property in Grand Rapids, listen up!

Earlier this week schools were cancelled and E.R.'s were slammed with slip-and-fall injuries because of icy roads and sidewalks. WOOD-TV spoke with a representative from the city of G.R. who said that residents need to do their part in making sure their sidewalks are clean, safe and walkable for everyone. Whether it's a home or business, it is the property owner's responsibility to make sure the sidewalk isn't icy, or else it could end up costing you.

According to the City of Grand Rapids website, the ordinance states that in the event of snow or ice "citizens have 24 hours to clear their sidewalks" (after it stops snowing). It must be cleaned all the way down to the concrete.

If not done, a fine of $95 will be issued. If a city worker has to come out to clear the snow/ice then an extra $15 will be added for every 15 minutes it takes to complete (WOOD-TV).

Keep this in mind because we unfortunately are supposed to get a cold wave with snow starting Friday night and temperatures dropping to a low of -2(!!) on Sunday night; and snow again next week.