A year-long winter has descended upon New York City, with no end in sight as a bitter freeze continues to grip the five boroughs. The once-lovely white snow of just five days ago has given way to a dingy gray and yellow, blocking crosswalks and bike lanes across town, forcing pedestrians into narrow paths on sidewalks that are only partially shoveled.
For many New Yorkers, especially those with mobility issues, this is a nightmare scenario. Martha Mendez, 67, who relies on a motorized wheelchair, hasn't been able to leave her home since Saturday due to fears of tipping over or getting stuck in the snow and ice. Her usual form of transportation, Access-a-Ride, has become impossible to access, leaving her feeling isolated and powerless.
The city's sanitation department is also struggling to keep up with trash and recycling collections, with piles piling up on streets as delays mount. Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that this could be the "harshest winter stretch New York has ever seen," but even his words of reassurance may not bring relief for many residents.
As one FedEx driver, Jonathan Greico, grumbled, "What do I think about the city's response? They're not doing a damn thing about it. It's so difficult to park, I had to park all the way up there." Even riding the bus or biking in Brooklyn is becoming increasingly perilous, with snow and ice covering sidewalks and bike lanes.
Yet, amidst the despair, some New Yorkers are holding onto hope. For 80-year-old Astoria resident Steven Hackbarth, this winter may be bad, but it's not as bad as his experience in 1992, when a nor'easter brought a blizzard, storm surge, and flooding that knocked out power.
As the National Weather Service predicts at least another week of below-freezing temperatures with no thaw in sight, New Yorkers are left to endure this prolonged winter, forced to find ways to cope with the misery.
For many New Yorkers, especially those with mobility issues, this is a nightmare scenario. Martha Mendez, 67, who relies on a motorized wheelchair, hasn't been able to leave her home since Saturday due to fears of tipping over or getting stuck in the snow and ice. Her usual form of transportation, Access-a-Ride, has become impossible to access, leaving her feeling isolated and powerless.
The city's sanitation department is also struggling to keep up with trash and recycling collections, with piles piling up on streets as delays mount. Mayor Zohran Mamdani acknowledged that this could be the "harshest winter stretch New York has ever seen," but even his words of reassurance may not bring relief for many residents.
As one FedEx driver, Jonathan Greico, grumbled, "What do I think about the city's response? They're not doing a damn thing about it. It's so difficult to park, I had to park all the way up there." Even riding the bus or biking in Brooklyn is becoming increasingly perilous, with snow and ice covering sidewalks and bike lanes.
Yet, amidst the despair, some New Yorkers are holding onto hope. For 80-year-old Astoria resident Steven Hackbarth, this winter may be bad, but it's not as bad as his experience in 1992, when a nor'easter brought a blizzard, storm surge, and flooding that knocked out power.
As the National Weather Service predicts at least another week of below-freezing temperatures with no thaw in sight, New Yorkers are left to endure this prolonged winter, forced to find ways to cope with the misery.
I mean, can you believe it? A year-long winter? That's just crazy! 
I'm all for a good snowfall every now and then, but this is ridiculous. People are really struggling, especially those with mobility issues like Martha Mendez - what a nightmare she must be going through right now 
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. I've lived here all my life, and I've never seen anything like this. It's not just about the snow and ice; it's about the everyday struggles that come with it.
. He's gone through worse in '92 and is still here, kicking 
. We need more people like him, folks! We need to stay positive and look out for each other during this tough time 
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This NYC situation is getting crazy! I mean, who wants to shovel sidewalks when you've got a disability like Martha Mendez? 
The city's gotta step up its game and make sure Access-a-Ride can still get people where they need to go, especially with the trash and recycling piling up everywhere. 
It's not just about the snow, it's about accessibility and safety.
And I know Steven Hackbarth has been through worse, but that doesn't mean he should be stuck in this cold and dark for weeks on end.
They need to invest in better snow removal tech and get their infrastructure ready. It's not just about the mayor saying "oh no, it's a harsh winter" – they need concrete plans to tackle this mess! 
And don't even get me started on how it's affecting people with mobility issues like my aunt. She's been cooped up at home for weeks already and I'm starting to worry about her mental health. 
The sanitation department can't even keep up with trash collections, let alone keeping our streets clean. It's like we're all being ignored.
I'm so worried about all those people struggling in the snow and ice. It's just not fair that some folks can't even leave their homes because of it 
. The city needs to step up its game, especially for those who rely on public transportation or have mobility issues like Martha 
. It's heartbreaking to think that people are feeling isolated and powerless in the middle of winter 
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80 yrs old Steven's point 2 b considered 
1992 storm was bad but at least ther was a thaw in 96 1st of all, lets hope this winter ends 4 good 
. I mean, come on! Trash and recycling are supposed to be collected regularly, not just left piling up everywhere. And the FedEx driver is right, the city should be making it easier for people to park and move around.
I can kinda understand why some people are holding onto hope 
Just gotta stay positive and look out for each other, right? 
[
. think about all those ppl w/ mobility issues like martha mendez, she's stuck at home 
. and sanitation? forget about it 
. just hope we can make it thru this one without losin too much 
. I feel bad for Martha Mendez, that poor woman can't even get out of her house due to the snow and ice 
1 year on and still no end in sight? that's just not right! 
i can only imagine how hard it must be for folks like Martha, using a motorized wheelchair and relying on Access-a-Ride... 
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. We just gotta hold on a little bit longer 
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. I'm just so done with this winter already