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Ann Arbor Officials Asking Residents to Clear Sidewalks, Drains During Warmer Weather

Ann Arbor Mayor John Hieftje calls on residents to take advantage of the warmer weather and clean off their sidewalks.  Hieftje admits the amount of snow, and the freezing rain a few walks ago caused a mess, but many people rely on walking to get to jobs and other important appointments.

Hieftje also wants residents to clear snow from in front of storm drains if possible.  The recent stretch of cold temperatures is causing concerns over flooding that can be eased by open drains.  The large puddles can also be confused with water main breaks, although Ann Arbor officials say bubbling water is generally a sign of a broken pipe.

The severe winter weather continues to do damage to roads across Michigan and state officials are considering additional funds for local communities.  Hieftje hopes the state comes through with the money.  He says Ann Arbor can maintain roads, but many other communities are at a breaking point.

— Andrew Cluley is the Ann Arbor beat reporter, and anchor for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him acluley@emich.edu.

Like many, I first came to this area when I started school at the University of Michigan, then fell in love with the community and haven’t left. After graduating from U of M in the mid 1990’s I interned at WDET for several years, while also working a variety of jobs in Ann Arbor. Then in 1999 I joined the WEMU news team.
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