NYC Sneckdowns: How the City Battles Winter’s Biggest Snow Obstacles

New York City sanitation crews are battling a unique challenge this winter: the “sneckdown.” These formations of snow, accumulating at street corners, are demanding focused attention from the Department of Sanitation and prompting a re-evaluation of responsibility for snow removal across the five boroughs.

Understanding the Sneckdown

The term “sneckdown,” or “corner cap” as sanitation workers call them, refers to the snow accumulation that narrows street corners, impacting pedestrian access. Distinguishing a sneckdown isn’t always straightforward. If tire tracks are visible, it’s likely not a sneckdown, indicating vehicles are still using the space. The definition can even depend on how one views the purpose of a street.

The Lines of Responsibility

Determining who is responsible for clearing snow is complex. Generally, snow on the street falls to the city to clear, while snow on sidewalks is the responsibility of property owners. However, snow accumulating around parked cars is the driver’s responsibility, even though it’s on the street. Sheltered bus stops are the responsibility of the Department of Transportation, while regular bus stops fall to adjacent property owners, with the city ensuring bus access.

Did You Know? The computer program used to track snowplows in New York City is called Blade Runner, but it’s also used to track trash collection when it isn’t snowing.

The recent cold snap, with six consecutive days below freezing, has made tackling these formations particularly difficult. Skid steers, small excavators, are being deployed to break through the ice, with sanitation workers noting that these machines are “one of the only things that can break an ice boulder.”

A New Approach to Snow Removal

The city activated PlowNYC, a real-time map showing when streets were last plowed, before the recent storm. This effort coincides with Mayor Mamdani’s focus on “sewer socialism,” an approach prioritizing everyday municipal problems. During the storm, the Mayor was observed shoveling snow near public housing in Bed-Stuy, prompting a comment from Governor Kathy Hochul about wearing a hat.

Expert Insight: The focus on clearing pedestrian access at bus stops, beyond simply ensuring the bus door can open, represents a shift in priorities. This could signal a broader commitment to prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility in the city’s snow removal strategy, but also carries the risk of increased scrutiny and potential public dissatisfaction if expectations aren’t met.

Emergency shovelers, earning $19.14 an hour, are being deployed to clear corners, with some, like truck driver Anthony Gutierrez, using ice scrapers. Workers like Daniel Johannes, a construction worker on his third twelve-hour shift, emphasize the importance of keeping streets passable for residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sneckdown?

A sneckdown is a snow accumulation at a street corner, narrowing the space for pedestrians to cross. Sanitation workers refer to them as corner caps.

Who is responsible for clearing snow around a parked car?

The driver of the parked car is responsible for clearing the snow around their vehicle, even though the snow is on the street.

What is PlowNYC?

PlowNYC is a real-time map activated by the city showing when every street was last plowed.

As winter continues, the city may face further challenges in managing sneckdowns and ensuring safe passage for pedestrians. Continued monitoring of PlowNYC and the effectiveness of the city’s snow removal efforts will be crucial. It remains to be seen how this new approach to snow removal will be received by residents and whether it will set a new standard for winter maintenance in New York City.

How do you think cities can best balance the demands of snow removal with the needs of pedestrians and drivers?