Does Binghamton New York Need A Snow Buddy Program?

It appears to me that Mother Nature has decided to bring winter to the Southern Tier of New York and Northeast Pennsylvania a bit more than in the past few years.

We've experienced a bit more more snowfall and cold temperatures than in the past couple of years if my memory served me correctly. Maybe this year I will get to use the snowblower I purchased about four years ago. I think I have used it maybe a half-dozen times over those winters.

What Is The Snow Buddy Program?

Speaking of snow, a friend recently told me about something interesting that helps people get shoved out after a snowstorm. A neighborhood volunteer program called Snow Buddies is designed to help neighbors who may need help shovel out the driveway, sidewalks, and steps around their property.

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This is a great idea for communities in areas of the country that regularly get a fair amount of snowfall during the winter months. It's especially helpful for persons who need this kind of assistance in areas where there are rules for keeping sidewalks clear.

Some communities have a time limit to take care of this task. For example, in the City of Binghamton, the accumulation of snow and ice on sidewalks must be removed within 24 hours after the snow/ice accumulation ceases.

Arvada Colorado Snow Buddy Program

The City of Arvada Colorado is one community in the U.S.A., that has a Snow Buddy Program. According to the city's website, the program matches anyone physically unable to remove snow with volunteers to assist them.

Volunteers shovel sidewalks, the walkway to the front door, and enough of the driveway to allow for one vehicle to enter and exit. The program requires that the snow removal by volunteers are to be completed within 24 hours after a snowstorm ends for snowfall that accumulates at least 2 inches.

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There are certain rules to be eligible for assistance from the Snow Buddy Program. The resident must be physically unable to shovel, can't financially afford to pay for similar services, and don't have neighbors, family, or friends nearby to assist

Sounds like a great program, and something that could benefit our Southern Tier New York and Northeast Pennsylvania commutes. What do you think?