Councilman Simcha Felder is demanding an immediate City Council hearing to examine the Department of Sanitation’s handling of snow removal following recent storms that have left city streets across the city buried under dangerous piles of snow and ice.

“I cannot recall the last time a quality-of-life issue generated this level of constituent response; This is beyond inconvenient, it’s completely unsafe,” said Councilman Felder. “What we’re seeing across large parts of the city are mountains of snow shoved to the curb, blocking crosswalks, bus stops, fire hydrants, and pedestrian access.”

Residents have reported impassable intersections, icy pedestrian crossings, unplowed roads and narrowed roadways days after plowing operations concluded. Seniors, people with disabilities, parents with strollers, and essential workers have been disproportionately affected, with many forced into traffic to navigate blocked sidewalks.

“Walking through the streets in the snow was easier before the ‘cleanup.’ Since then, getting around by foot, car, or transit has become nearly impossible. One winter storm should not bring the greatest city on earth to a standstill,” said one frustrated caller.

Felder stressed that New York City’s narrow streets require a more thoughtful, coordinated approach than simply pushing snow aside. “Other cities with harsh winters manage snow in ways that restore access and safety. New Yorkers deserve better than a system that creates more hazards.” Felder said. 

Felder is calling on Sanitation officials to explain why conditions still remain hazardous and to outline concrete steps to prevent a repeat of what many residents are calling a failure of basic city services. The proposed hearing would examine:

• Sanitation’s current snow removal protocols
• Interagency coordination for clearing sidewalks, crosswalks, and bus stops
• Best practices from other dense, cold-weather cities
• Whether additional resources or operational changes are needed

“This is about safety, accessibility, and accountability,” Felder said. “Snowstorms are predictable. This outcome should not be.”