Frustrations boil over snowy sidewalks

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Frustrations have been boiling over about the amount of snow that is still covering walkways and sidewalks all over the state.

Police departments say they can barely keep up with all the calls and complaints from people who say they can't get around.

"It's very frustrating and very dangerous," said Alex Uscilla of West Hartford.

Whether you are in Hartford or Hamden, West Haven or West Hartford, eventually you will run across unshoveled sidewalks.

"They are and then when you get to a certain part, they just forgot about that part so you've got to step off, walk on the street and then step back in the snow and get back to the sidewalk and it sucks," said Uscilla.

West Hartford handled 74 complaints yesterday and 30 this afternoon alone. It is a problem and they are working on it.

"Definitely it's a warning. Due to the amount of snow, during the conditions we've had from this blizzard, it's definitely a warning the first time but if we have to come back then we will give the enforcement action," said Officer Nick Sachetti, West Hartford Police.

Police say a lot of times when they go out on the calls it's the elderly or the shut-in who have a very hard time. There are some people who tried to start the sidewalk but didn't get very far. News 8 talked to one homeowner who didn't want to go on camera but said he didn't have a snow blower. He tried to hire someone but couldn't find anyone. He says he was going to wait a little longer, hoping for some help from the sun before taking a whack at it with a shovel.

"Do you have a sidewalk," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"No, I don't but my neighbors across the street do and I did help them clear it out a little bit on Sunday," said Tom Szala of West Hartford.

While in West Hartford it was neighbor helping neighbor. In Hamden, Francine sent us a Report It picture and while tonight her sidewalk is partially clear, she says she had to fight with the city after a front loader dropped a large bucket of snow in her front yard.

In West Hartford, police are talking to homeowners trying to find a solution to Mother Nature.

"We're not out here to jam anybody up and give out tickets, it's most for the concern of the safety of the people," said Officer Sachetti.