New London — In the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors,” the city’s Pedestrian Advisory Committee is coordinating an effort where volunteers will shovel snow for elderly and disabled residents.

Thirty snow shovels and a cadre of volunteers are ready to be put to use, but so far only one person has asked for the help.

Those volunteering include not only community members but more than a dozen cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy who have pledged their support. The city recently chipped in $500 to purchase 30 shovels toward the effort.

The pedestrian committee formed in response to a host of problems raised during last winter's snowstorms, the most pressing being snow-covered sidewalks that forced people onto roadways.

"We were really disappointed last year," City Councilor Martha Marx said. "These are the paths our kids are using to walk to school. That's not being a good neighbor."

Marx, chairwoman of the council’s public works committee, said the energetic group is looking to raise expectations of city residents, encouraging cooperation among neighbors and at the same time reaching out to businesses to remind them to shovel their sidewalks.

After the group published a phone number and email address prior to Saturday’s snow, just one person called for help at a home on Franklin Street. The group expects more will call once word gets out.

After multiple meetings to brainstorm the city’s snow-related issues, the committee recommended the city get more aggressive in its enforcement efforts and at the same time educate the public.

Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chairman Jeffrey Hart said representatives from the police department have warned them of the labor-intensive nature of penalizing offenders and the fact that manpower is limited.

Hart said one recommendation being taken up is the idea to lengthen the allotted time to clear a walkway and give residents some breathing room after a storm.

Under the city’s ordinance on snow removal, land owners are responsible for cleanup of abutting sidewalks and graded or paved areas within six hour after a snow event, or by 9 a.m. if the snow falls overnight. Violators face the possibility of a misdemeanor and a fine of between $25 and $100.

 “We are both trying to change the culture and change policies that get things fixed,” Hart said.

Marx said she is prepared to introduce a proposed ordinance that allows homeowners 24 hours, instead of six hours, to clear a walkway in front of their home or business.

Hart said members of the committee took a walk down Colman Street in advance of Saturday’s snow to remind businesses of their duties.

“We were greeted mostly with friendly responses … but see after the snow the same chronic offenders,” Hart said.

City Public Works Director Brian Sear called clean-up of Saturday’s snowfall “almost textbook,” because of work of public works employees, coordination with downtown business owners and new equipment.

The City Center District has also hired someone to plow sidewalks and coordinated with the city prior to the weekend.

“We’re thrilled the way that worked out,” Sear said. “The idea of volunteers going out helping each other is great. We have our hands full. It’s great to have as much help as possible.”

Members of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee are Beverly Knapp, Terry Horton, Kathy Cole, Jessie Damon, Ronald Gaska and Jeffrey Hart. Carl Lee is expected to be appointed as the seventh member.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay 

Elderly or disabled residents that require digging out after a storm may call 860-333-8750 or email

pedestrian.nl@gmail.com for assistance from community volunteers.