Chair users struggle on snowy sidewalks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - All Mary Winklepleck wanted to do Tuesday was go pick up some groceries. But unplowed sidewalks make it tough for the Grand Rapids woman, who gets around by wheelchair.

"It gets so frustrating, because you want to get out and you can't," she told 24 Hour News 8.

For Winklepleck and her friend, Karen Klawiter, hopes of maintaining their independence fall with each flake of snow.

"Winter is not the most enjoyable time of the year for a chair user," said Jocelyn Detloff, of Disability Advocates of Kent County.

In Grand Rapids, property owners are responsible for removing snow from the sidewalks, but city officials said there are only two inspectors who can respond to complaints.

If the city posts a notice of complaint on your door, you have 48 hours to shovel the sidewalk to the pavement. You also must shovel 4 feet across.

If you don't, the city will -- but you could be billed as much as $300.

Detloff knows firsthand the special challenges of winter. And it's not just her clients she encourages to call and complain.

"Even if you are not a person with a disability, you can call and complain, too," she said. "If you see a sidewalk that needs to be cleared, call and make the city aware."

Winklepleck and Klawiter turned back empty-handed Tuesday, but seemed determined to try again another day.

"I am pretty independent and ... pretty stubborn, but there are obstacles I can't overcome," Klawiter said.

Asked 24 Hour News 8: "Like a big snowdrift?"

"Yep, like a big pile of snow -- you got it," Klawiter said.

The official in charge of sidewalks in Grand Rapids, Ralph Johnson, said the city has responded to 150 complaints so far in 2011. That number is a little down from average, he said, but it hasn't been too snowy of a winter.

So far, the city has not had to send a work crew to clear any sidewalks.