Residents on Hubbard Street in Sheepshead Bag say they’ve been stuck behind a wall of snow and ice for days after city plows pushed mounds back onto their sidewalks and driveways, leaving some unable to get deliveries- or drive out.
A ridge of snow at least 3 feet high now stretches across several properties. Neighbors say each time they tried to dig out, plows passed again and pushed more snow into the newly cleared paths, building the barrier higher.
Some residents say they paid hundreds of dollars to independent shovelers walking the neighborhood, hoping to carve out an exit. Those who couldn’t afford the help worry they may be stuck for days.
The New York City Department of Sanitation says it is responsible for clearing streets, but sidewalks and driveways remain the responsibility of property owners.
Many seniors say while it's their responsibility, it's far past their actual ability.
“It’s not fair that we should have to pay for something the city dumped on us,” said resident Frank Massano, who uses a cane. “The spot is a big spot, and it’s an open spot that they just dump more in there.”
He says his wife was able to clear a path from the front door, but that snow wall was "a tough job for a young strong guy, not us near our 80s," adding that it's interrupting their ability to get critical medication.
DSNY tells News 12 it has 2,500 sanitation workers on duty, with 500 emergency snow shovelers who are addressing bus stops, crosswalks and fire hydrants, but would not be used to help residents on that street.
Residents on Hubbard Street hope help arrives soon.