Chicago has kicked off its snow season with a record number of calls to its 311 service line, with nearly 11,500 complaints filed over the past two weeks. The city's sidewalks and streets are piling up with ice and snow, with thousands of residents complaining about uncleared sidewalks and bike lanes.
According to an analysis of 311 data by WBEZ/Sun-Times, this is the highest 10-day total for uncleared sidewalk complaints since at least 2019. The city's commissioner of streets and sanitation, Cole Stallard, attributed the surge in calls to the record snowfall that hit the city last week.
"We've got a lot of buses, ambulances, and fire trucks on our roads, so we need to keep those main streets plowed," Stallard said. "Drive safely on side streets and get to the main [street] – you'll be in pretty good shape."
While residents are frustrated with the slow response times, many have come together to help each other out. Fennon Wisseh, a baker who lives in West Town, said his neighbors seem ready to lend a hand, especially those with mobility issues.
"It's not just about the city doing their job; it's also about us being good Samaritans," Wisseh said. "Some of these neighbors over here are elderly and disabled, so maybe even someone from the city could reach out to them."
The city has received more than 12,000 snow-related complaints since November 1, with the vast majority logged during a 10-day period between Nov. 30 and Dec. 9. The commissioner emphasized the importance of residents reporting issues to 311, as it helps the city identify areas that need attention.
"Let's be neighborly," Stallard said. "Get out there and help each other; let's do what Chicagoans are known to do in times of need."
According to an analysis of 311 data by WBEZ/Sun-Times, this is the highest 10-day total for uncleared sidewalk complaints since at least 2019. The city's commissioner of streets and sanitation, Cole Stallard, attributed the surge in calls to the record snowfall that hit the city last week.
"We've got a lot of buses, ambulances, and fire trucks on our roads, so we need to keep those main streets plowed," Stallard said. "Drive safely on side streets and get to the main [street] – you'll be in pretty good shape."
While residents are frustrated with the slow response times, many have come together to help each other out. Fennon Wisseh, a baker who lives in West Town, said his neighbors seem ready to lend a hand, especially those with mobility issues.
"It's not just about the city doing their job; it's also about us being good Samaritans," Wisseh said. "Some of these neighbors over here are elderly and disabled, so maybe even someone from the city could reach out to them."
The city has received more than 12,000 snow-related complaints since November 1, with the vast majority logged during a 10-day period between Nov. 30 and Dec. 9. The commissioner emphasized the importance of residents reporting issues to 311, as it helps the city identify areas that need attention.
"Let's be neighborly," Stallard said. "Get out there and help each other; let's do what Chicagoans are known to do in times of need."
, but you know what's even more painful? Being a snowplow driver trying to keep up with the demands 
. It's like the city is saying, "Hey, we've got our hands full with the main streets, can't bother with those side streets." But at the same time, it's great to see people coming together and looking out for each other 
. That Fennon guy's right, it's not just about the city doing its job, it's also about being good neighbors. Maybe we can all learn from Chicago's example and take care of our own community first? 
It's a great reminder that we don't have to wait for someone else to help us out – we can be the ones helping others in need 
.
... like, I get it, the city's gonna have some issues with the ice and all that, but 11,500 complaints is crazy! 
It's not just about the city, though - our neighbors are really stepping up to help each other out, which is awesome 
️ But seriously, it's nice to see the community come together like that. And hey, at least Commissioner Stallard is keeping us informed (even if his advice to "drive safely on side streets" sounds a bit basic 
). The city might need some help, but I think we can all agree that Chicago's got heart 
.
They're getting slammed with calls about uncleared sidewalks and bike lanes. I feel bad for all the residents having to deal with icy streets and sidewalks themselves 
. But on the bright side, it's nice to see neighbors coming together to help each other out 
I mean, come on! 11,500 complaints is a lot! But like, what did they expect? It's snowing in Chicago 
. It shows we're not just gonna sit around and wait for someone else to fix our sidewalks 
. I guess the city's trying to do the best they can, but slow response times? That's just bad planning 
.
. Nowadays, it feels like the city should be doing it for us, ya know? But at the same time, I love that people are coming together to help each other out – especially with those who need a little extra support 
.
. The city's gotta do what it can to keep the main streets clear for all those emergency services 
.
. Still, I'm heartened by the community spirit. Let's hope it keeps going strong until this snow finally melts 
.
!
. My friend did that once and ended up with a flat tire... long story short, the city's got nothing on our family's snow-clearing extravaganza! We have a team of like 10 people just doing it for fun, my dad even hired some contractors to help out. My point is, community comes together in crazy situations, right? And that made me think about how we should all take advantage of those 311 hotlines...
Snow day? More like snow week! 311 is flooded, but on the bright side, neighbors are coming together 
. Who needs city help when you've got a community that's all about spreading kindness 
. And I think the city's commissioner is on the right track by reminding us that reporting issues helps them prioritize where they need to focus 
. Anyway, I hope the snow melts soon and life gets back to normal 
. The city should really invest in some snow-clearing robots or something 
, that would save them so much time and resources 
️.
And another thing, what's up with the "let's be neighborly" vibe? Is that some kinda new city slogan or something? 
Not saying the city isn't doing enough, but come on, let's give a shoutout to all those good Samaritans out there who are actually helping each other out! 
My grandma lives in a small apartment and can barely walk with her walker, it's nice to see people looking out for each other. And Stallard is right, the 311 service line needs more support, but we need to hold onto that community spirit too 
️ Fennon Wisseh is right, it's not just about the city responding, it's about us having some backbone and clearing our own sidewalks. I mean, who needs a good Samaritan when you've got snowplows doing their job... or are they? 
. Let's get this snow cleaned up and look out for each other – that's what Chicagoans do best!