Snow, sidewalks and shovels: FutureHeights hosts public safety forum on April 1

Spring is finally upon us, but this winter has proven especially memorable. Record snowfall, weather-related school closures, and discussions about civic responsibility dominated conversations and media for months. Lengthy and severe conditions have left some lingering questions: What can we do better? How can we plan more effectively? Where do city services end and residents’ responsibility begin? Can we cooperate as a community to maintain superior public safety for all of our residents and visitors? How can we align our civic policies and individual actions to look beyond clear roads for cars to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, traveling by foot, bike, bus or car?

In the Heights, some residents are committed to a low-carbon lifestyle, choosing to walk or bike, even in the most inclement weather. Some walk and rely on public transportation, lacking or forgoing a personal vehicle. Many school children walk to school everyday. Those with strollers or in wheelchairs require thoughtful and careful navigation. All of these people rely on clear sidewalks to get where they need to go.

FutureNow has organized the first event of its 2014 Speaker Series to address these concerns, with a public discussion of snow removal, winter walking conditions and public safety.

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, at the Wine Spot, 2271 Lee Road, representatives from Cleveland Heights City Council, University Heights City Council, Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District and Heights Libraries will address their goals and challenges in providing safe passage for students, commuters, and residents in winter, and how residents must help.

Seating is limited. Civil public discourse welcome. For more information, call 216-320-1423.