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Snow Covers Handicap Parking Spaces In Boston Days After Storm

BOSTON (CBS) - Four days after the last significant snowfall, many handicap parking spaces are unplowed and some handicap ramps are not accessible in Boston.

"Getting around the city has been a nightmare," says Karen Schneiderman with the Boston Coalition for Independent Living.

WBZ first noticed two unplowed handicap parking spaces on Park Street near the State House Wednesday. The city told WBZ it would look into it. Twenty-four hours later, the spaces were still full of snow.

"I think we have a right to be angry about everything," says Schneiderman.

Schneiderman says her office has been flooded with calls. Residents are complaining about unplowed parking spots, handicap ramps and sidewalk curb cuts.

"As someone who uses a car, I'm frustrated about that. As someone who uses the sidewalk, I'm furious," says Schneiderman.

Snow
Snow covers handicap parking spots days after a snowstorm in Boston. (Photo from Julie Loncich/WBZ)

According to the Massachusetts Office on Disabilities, there isn't a state law regulating the issue.

"Snow removal efforts, when viewed in their entirety, must treat handicapped parking spaces and non-handicap parking spaces equally," says Allan Motenko, Deputy Director of Massachusetts Office on Disabilities.

Mayor Walsh's office tells WBZ, "Clearing these spaces is a priority for the Mayor and the work will continue until all the snow is clear."

Inmates from the Department of Corrections will help remove snow from handicap spots and ramps.

Schneiderman says she would give the city a D for its efforts of removing snow from handicap accessible areas.

"I used to be an English teacher and I know that people can get Ds and Fs, but they can improve if they want to," says Schneiderman.

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