As an Albanian for the better part of 35 years, I’ve learned to love winter. Although I’ll never be more than a novice downhill skier, my cross country abilities are decent and I generally have my skis in my car, ready to go. My dog and I share a love of Albany Muni Capital Hills and, when there’s snow, we’re there 3 or 4 afternoons a week.
Getting a few miles in does us both good.
In case you haven’t noticed, this winter has been a bust so far. While I saw some folks skiing earlier this month (and before our most recent snowfall) at the golf course, the snow was pretty sparse, too thin for me to bother bringing my skis up from the basement. Instead of skiing for my cardio, I concluded I’d need to take my usual 5 mile run loop up Delaware Avenue to Whitehall Road and then around New Scotland and Academy. No problem. I love my running route.
Unfortunately, though, it seemed that Mother Nature might have something to say about my intended activity. On more than one recent morning, I’ve taken my dog out to take care of some morning business and have had to step gingerly, navigating my concrete steps encased in ice with caution. Watching my dog’s legs splay in four different directions as he attempted to walk to his favorite grassy spot, caused me to both giggle and conclude that running city sidewalks won’t be happening.
The ice melt product that I store in my basement was retrieved without me giving my dusty skis even a glance.
In recent weeks, I’ve monitored the weather in the hope that the temperature might increase enough to make sidewalks passable. One late afternoon, my hopes were raised during a dog walk when I realized that the sidewalk was no longer slick. Until I got beyond my immediate neighbor’s house, that is. It seems that not everyone had made an attempt to deal with the ice, unfortunately.
The sidewalks around town have legitimately resembled a skating rink.
Eventually, last week there was a brief thaw that allowed me to hit the streets for my endorphin fix, but it still required close attention to where I placed my feet if I wanted to avoid a slip and fall. Despite it being days after the precipitation had arrived, no efforts had been made to remove the ice which presented itself as both visible craters and, more insidiously, as black ice.
I’ve exchanged messages with a couple of city and county representatives asking them to look into some type of community bulk purchase of a product that might be made available to residents to treat sidewalks safely. Maybe if there was a source for discounted or free ice melt more residents would maintain their sidewalks?
In Albany we have access to free brown material for our city provided composters along with mulch and compost for our gardens and yards. Perhaps it would be possible to add ice melt to the mix? Or – maybe there might be enforcement of the city code which dictates that sidewalks are to be cleared within 24 hours of the cessation of inclement weather?
This past Sunday’s precipitation left enough snow for a decent ski on MLK Day, but conditions later in the week were a disappointment – which means I’m going to be looking again at running to meet my need for cardio. While I understand that not being able to safely run outdoors may seem like a pretty petty and personal complaint, I know I’m not alone in my desire to take in some fresh air without risking a fall, and subsequent ER visit during a pandemic.
After witnessing my 85 lb. Labrador’s fall last night on our walk around the neighborhood, I know that getting out for a run this weekend is going to be a challenge – and I’m not even factoring in the extreme cold temperatures anticipated.
My Tweeter feed has been full of complaints about public safety with regards to sidewalks and street corners around Albany. Residents have formed an ad hoc crew dubbed the Sidewalk Brigade to clear pedestrian paths in the Center Square/Lark Street corridor of town and have hopes that their organization will expand into other areas of Albany. It seems like a great opportunity to get to know one’s neighbors while helping to create a safe environment for everyone. Imagine if students were able to earn hours towards community service requirements or PE credit by clearing sidewalks? It seems like it would be a wonderful way to teach young people to take responsibility for their environment while getting fresh air and exercise. Just like I want to.
Let’s do better, Albany.
