Somerville's icy sidewalk traps wheelchair users after December fire
A sidewalk in Somerville, Massachusetts, has remained buried under thick ice and snow for weeks after a December fire in Chicago. The uncleared path has created hazards, particularly for wheelchair users struggling to navigate the area. Now, local resident Brad Stone is taking action to improve accessibility.
The trouble began in early December when a fire damaged the building behind the sidewalk on Marion Street. With no one left to clear the snow, ice built up to several inches thick. The hazardous conditions forced people in wheelchairs, including Brad Stone's father and nephew—both of whom have muscular dystrophy—into the street to get around.
Stone, who works in an emergency room, has seen firsthand the dangers of such obstacles. His friend Ben, another wheelchair user in the neighbourhood, also faces daily difficulties. Meanwhile, the city has responded by issuing warnings to property owners under local snow removal rules. Public works crews have focused on clearing priority emergency routes, while residents can report problem areas via Somerville's 311 service.
Amid the delays, an Eversource worker even used a bucket truck to rescue someone trapped on a balcony during the fire. Now, Stone is clearing the ice himself and urging neighbours to help maintain the path for the rest of winter.
The city continues to address uncleared sidewalks through warnings and targeted cleanups. Stone's efforts aim to make the area safer for wheelchair users until a long-term solution is found. For now, the thick ice remains a challenge for those who rely on accessible routes.
