Troy Residents Struggle with Icy Sidewalks as Winter Weather Persists

TROY, N.Y. — Residents of Troy are grappling with hazardous icy sidewalks as another round of snow and ice is expected to hit the area on Thursday. The persistent winter weather has left many sidewalks treacherous, prompting concerns about safety and accessibility.

Equasia Watson, a downtown Troy resident, voiced her frustration after slipping on ice while walking her dogs on Congress Street. “I think it’s ridiculous. I think it’s dangerous,” Watson said. “I don’t want to fall in the middle of everybody passing me while I’m on the ground. They need to step up and take care of the city.”

According to Troy’s city code, homeowners and businesses are responsible for clearing sidewalks directly in front of their properties, while the city handles other areas. However, compliance has been inconsistent, leaving many sidewalks covered in ice and snow.

Hailey Fetting, another Troy resident, described the daily struggle of navigating icy sidewalks. “I walk this street every day. It’s tough to get basically anywhere. It takes a lot of effort to just even think about trying to cross the sidewalk,” Fetting said.

The city has emphasized its commitment to ensuring sidewalks are safe and accessible. A spokesperson for the city stated, “Property owners are responsible for keeping their sidewalks clear and accessible during winter months when we experience snow and ice. Our Quality-of-Life Task Force, Litter Patrol, and Code Enforcement are routinely checking our neighborhood streets and sidewalks to make sure they are compliant with our code.”

Fines for non-compliance start at $50, but the city aims to work with property owners to achieve compliance rather than penalize them. In severe cases, the city may clear the sidewalks itself and invoice the property owner for the service.

Meanwhile, in Albany, a AAA employee narrowly avoided injury in a close call with a fast-moving car on Wednesday morning. Video footage provided by AAA Hudson Valley shows a tow truck driver jumping out of the way just in time to avoid being hit. The incident occurred on South Main Street in Albany, prompting AAA to remind drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.

Despite the scare, the tow truck driver was unharmed and completed their workday, according to AAA.