Blizzard 2011 - City Going High Tech for 2012 Weather Events (AP) |
It's the day after the first real snow event in Chicago - and the city is officially launching ChicagoShovels.org. It's a site that allows residents to track city snow plows in real time (using GPS) and features a link to what officials are calling Snow Corps. The city says Snow Corps 'aims to help minimize potential heavy-snow emergencies by pairing volunteers with blocks where elderly and disabled citizens have requested help.' Basically, if someone who needs shovel/snow blower help, they can call 311 and be matched with a volunteer in their area. To join the roster of available shovelers - just log-on to the ChicagoShovels site.
Mayor Emanuel told the New York Times he hopes this new technology will put to rest any impression that 'clout' or socio-economic power plays a role in snow plow efficiency and priority.
While tooling around this website - you can also learn a few interesting things - for example, I was not aware that the city actually hands out Winter Wonder Awards every year. The award, a letter/proclamation from the city (plus a mention on the CDOT website), recognizes businesses and organizations for Excellence in Snow Removal. No, I am not making that up- the nomination process is on the site.
On the flip side, there is also a link to report Snow Removal Slackers. So if there's a business that is not clearing its sidewalk, with the exact address you can report it online (or at 311), and the city will take steps to 'encourage' their shoveling.
