This is generally true, although not sure if it will remain this way. I remember when we used to get Nor'easters that would leave a few feet of snow on the ground. Thank goodness for such little snow the last few years, because when it snows it's an absolute nightmare. Recent residents always tell me, "Oh it's so beautifu," but they aren't aware of experiencing how disgusting and inconvenient it can be after a snow storm when it comes to getting around. Folks should try to imagine what it would be like to 2-4 foot snow drifts taking what little space there is already on the sidewalks, which quickly become covered with soot, garbage, dog feces and urine, and who knows what else. If there is an ice storm, or of the snow melts and freezes, the main pathways are hard to walk on because someone always doesn't salt or clean their part. Don't get me started on the salt, because you may then have the not so pleasant experience of having a speeding taxi or MTA bus splatter you with a slushy, salty mess while waiting to cross. The sidewalks are also not just hard to walk down, but hard to get on and off of. Normally, there are different paces folks walk here. Long term NYers tend to walk very fast and disregard rules that get you a ticket in LA. Yet, that's because you have to deal with tourists and others who have a different mindset when it comes to walking. When there are snow drifts it gets much more complicated and increased risk for stress for everyone because those rules are harder to be broken and space is harder to find, especially on corners where maybe two narrow paths are the only way on and off the curb. However, us stubborn and "impatient" NYers may still try to hike over the drifts out frustration. Slush is also one of the bad parts of the aftereffects of big snowfalls, because the sewage system can't usually handle that much ice and snow, so huge puddles of grey/black slush can often develop around the only pathways to the street and sidewalk. If you don't have good boots in that situation it's not pretty. I guess it's clear that I am not one to complain about the lack of snowfall we've had lately. I just might be hesitant to count on it not coming back again just yet. This has happened before, although not for this many years, at least since I can remember.
Isaac | New York, NY | Report Abuse