Snow removal act needs a little work

There have been several letters concerning snow removal. Take a look at Illinois Compiled Statutes, the Snow and Ice Removal Act. The Act states:

Sec. 1: "It is declared to be the public policy of this State that owners and others residing in residential units be encouraged to clean the sidewalks abutting their residences of snow and ice. The General Assembly, therefore, determines that it is undesirable for any person to be found liable for damages due to his or her efforts in the removal of snow or ice from such sidewalks, except for acts which amount to clear wrongdoing, as described in Section 2 of this Act."

Sec. 2: "Any owner, lessor, occupant or other person in charge of any residential property or any agent of or other person engaged by any such party, who removes or attempts to remove snow or ice from sidewalks abutting the property shall not be liable for any personal injuries allegedly caused by the snow or icy condition of the sidewalk resulting from his or her acts of omissions unless the alleged misconduct was willful or wanton."

Please note it applies only to residential property, with no concern for seniors, bad backs, bad hearts, etc. Don't ask me, ask the state.

On the other hand, a business does not have to clear the sidewalk, there by keeping their customers away. That makes no sense at all!

In Elk Grove, after the streets have been plowed they come back and open up the sewers, and in doing so bury the sidewalk. Now everyone must walk in the street, something you don't want to do in the winter. We also have a funeral home that put the snow from its parking lot on the sidewalk. To me both of these are a Willful acts and should come under the Act.

Who is going to enforce this Act, I do not know. I do not have an address for my state representative or senator so I could ask. They only find me at election time.

Don't like the Act, then change it.

Dean Roeing

Elk Grove Village