Elgin, U-46 seeking 'Sidewalk Heroes' to keep paths clear over winter

Elgin Area School District U-46 and the city of Elgin are seeking a few good men and women to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice this winter.

The city and school district jointly launched the Sidewalk Heroes campaign promoting shoveling to help neighbors, schoolchildren, elderly residents, those with physical disabilities, mail carriers and meter readers.

Elgin Councilman John Steffen said concerns from residents who rely on sidewalks for getting around town prompted the initiative, whose goal is "to positively reinforce the need to clear snow from sidewalks, fire hydrants and other access points."

The city does not have an ordinance requiring property owners to shovel partly because some residents might not be physically able to do so. That's why officials are asking for cooperation and collaboration among neighbors.

"The last couple of winters we have been blessed with some beautiful white snow, but for a school day the snow could actually be quite tricky for a lot of our youngest citizens here in Elgin," Washington Elementary Principal Lori Brandes told the city council. "What we've noticed over time is that snow removal has not been on the top of the list in our neighborhoods over the last few years. In a lot of cases, our students then end up staying home because kids can't get to school safely and they are having to walk in the streets to get to school."

U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said he hopes the initiative inspires residents of the 10 other communities served by the district to also be neighborhood leaders in keeping their sidewalks clear.

"Living in the Midwest in the winter can be challenging for all, but especially for those who need to spend time outdoors after snow falls and ice forms, including our students who walk to and from school, or to and from a bus stop," Sanders said. "We appreciate all our community members who keep their sidewalks clear, and we're hoping to inspire them to look for neighbors and areas that could use some extra help."

To help elderly residents who need assistance clearing sidewalks, call Seniors Services Associates of Elgin at (847) 741-0404.

Residents can call 311 to get a yard sign promoting the campaign to place on their property near the sidewalk.

"Elgin has always been a community that cares for one another, and becoming a Sidewalk Hero is one more way residents can go above and beyond for their neighborhood," Mayor David Kaptain said. "Whether you are able to just shovel the extra stretch of sidewalk in front of your next door neighbor's house or if you have a snowblower to hit the entire block, your efforts will make a difference."