Report Unshoveled Sidewalks, Blocked Hydrants

Published January 28, 2011

[googlemap title=”User-Submitted Snow Reports” height=”500″]http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&num=200&start=200&msa=0&msid=212115722427213421944.00049aead19e1845cbd8b&ll=42.354992,-71.082916&spn=0.311556,0.727158&z=11[/googlemap]

This map is in beta! Please report errors in the comments. Update, 1/31: We stopped accepting submissions at 6 p.m. There are 200 pins on the map. Update, 1/30: I’m working hard to update this map with all of your submissions. It is a technical challenge because the data comes from multiple sources. Thanks for your patience with our experiment. Update, 1/29: Added Mayor’s Hotline data.

The city of Boston is inundated with reports of un-shoveled sidewalks and other snow violations, less than 24 hours after the snow emergency ended.

“We’ve had about 2,400 complaints come in just in the month of January, which is 1,100 more complaints than we’ve ever received in our highest month in the history of code enforcement,” said Michael Mackan, the city’s chief of code enforcement.

This is where you come in. We’re mapping the problem spots, block by block. If you see an unshoveled sidewalk, inaccessible bus stop, blocked hydrant or other problem, report it.

There are four ways to report:

  • Mobile: Text the word WALK to 698-66 and follow the instructions
  • iPhone: Tap “Assignments” in our iPhone app.
  • Twitter: Use the hash tag #BigDigOut. Include the location and a photo.
  • Web: Fill out this form.

We’re looking for reports in Greater Boston where snow removal is required under local law.

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