Boston Residents Demand Improved Snow Removal After Harsh Winters

City Council hears concerns from residents with disabilities about dangerous conditions caused by poor snow clearing efforts.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Boston City Council is reviewing the city's snow removal efforts after two major winter storms this year created hazardous conditions, particularly for residents with disabilities who struggled to navigate uncleared sidewalks and streets. Residents like Cassandra Xavier, who is blind, and Bill Taub, who is legally blind, described the dangers they faced having to walk in the street due to the snow piles, and called on the city and landlords to take more responsibility for clearing snow.

Why it matters

Boston's snow removal policies and execution have come under scrutiny after this year's severe winter weather events, which have disproportionately impacted residents with disabilities who rely on accessible sidewalks and streets. The city is facing pressure to develop a more comprehensive and equitable snow removal plan to ensure the safety of all residents during future storms.

The details

Following two major snowstorms that dumped over 40 inches of snow on Boston this winter, the City Council heard from residents like Cassandra Xavier and Bill Taub, who described the hazardous conditions they faced trying to navigate uncleared sidewalks and streets. Property owners and landlords are expected to clear snow from sidewalks, but many residents want to see the city take more responsibility. Mayor Michelle Wu acknowledged the current snow removal requirements are "confusing" to many, and rely on "everybody to do their part."

  • On January 25 and 26, Boston received 23.2 inches of snow.
  • On February 23, another 17.1 inches of snow was dumped on the city.

The players

Cassandra Xavier

A Boston resident who is blind and described the dangers of having to walk in the street due to uncleared snow.

Bill Taub

A Boston resident who is legally blind and criticized the city and landlords for the poor snow removal, saying "Shame on the city, shame on the landlords."

Mayor Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston who acknowledged the city's snow removal requirements are "confusing" to many residents.

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What they’re saying

“Feeling the wind of the cars going past my body, or when the cars are at a standstill, feel the heat come off of the cars onto my body. It should not be a thing, but it is. And it was.”

— Cassandra Xavier (CBS News)

“Shame on the city, shame on the landlords.”

— Bill Taub (CBS News)

What’s next

The city is reviewing its snow removal policies and plans to take action before next winter, but it's unclear what specific changes will be made.

The takeaway

Boston's snow removal challenges this winter have highlighted the need for the city to develop a more comprehensive and equitable plan to ensure the safety of all residents, especially those with disabilities, during severe winter weather events.