Good Samaritan Clears Snowy Somerville Sidewalk After Fire

Resident works to make walkway passable for those with disabilities

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A Somerville, Massachusetts man named Brad Stone is working to clear a snow and ice-covered sidewalk on Marion Street after the building behind it caught fire in early December, leaving the area abandoned. Stone, who works in an ER, is concerned the impassable sidewalk could force people in wheelchairs into the street, risking their safety. He is hoping neighbors will join him in clearing the stretch, which he describes as having 6 inches of ice and 1-3 inches of snow on top.

Why it matters

Uncleared sidewalks can pose a serious hazard for people with disabilities, potentially forcing them into the street where they are at risk of being struck by vehicles. This issue is especially pressing in Somerville, where an abandoned building fire has left a key walkway impassable for weeks.

The details

Brad Stone, a Somerville resident who works in an ER, has taken it upon himself to clear the snow and ice-covered sidewalk on Marion Street after the building behind it caught fire in early December. He describes the sidewalk as having 6 inches of pure ice, with an additional 1-3 inches of snow on top, making it extremely difficult for people in wheelchairs to get through. Stone's father is an Army veteran who now battles muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, and his nephew also suffers from the disease, motivating him to take action.

  • The building behind the sidewalk caught fire in early December 2026.
  • Brad Stone began clearing the sidewalk on a recent nice day when he was off work.

The players

Brad Stone

A Somerville resident who works in an ER and is clearing the snow-covered sidewalk on Marion Street after the nearby building caught fire, leaving the area abandoned.

Ben

Brad Stone's friend who lives in the neighborhood and uses a wheelchair, finding the uncleared sidewalk difficult to navigate.

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What they’re saying

“I would say probably six inches of pure ice, and then on top of that is another inch or two or three of snow. It's exhausting, but I'm motivated.”

— Brad Stone (CBS News Boston)

“Everything just accumulated, and being that I was off work, and a nice day, I got possessed with the motivation to chisel it out.”

— Brad Stone (CBS News Boston)

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities when sidewalks are left uncleared, and the importance of community members stepping up to ensure public spaces remain accessible. Brad Stone's efforts to clear the Marion Street sidewalk on his own show the difference one person can make in improving safety and mobility for their neighbors.