NYC: typical cost for front-of-bldg maintenance, snow removal

[Christopher Cooley]

I have moved overseas and had to hire someone to manage the front garbage cans and also keep the sidewalk and street clear of garbage.  (Sanitation officials just love to give citations for this.)  He lives a few blocks away and comes to the house (2-fam, in the Bronx) about 3-4 times a week, and I pay him $300/month.  (Another guy wanted to charge $350.)  Now that he shoveled snow, he wants more for that service.  Does this sound reasonable?  I don't want to be cheap, but I also don't want to be ripped off...  Thanks!

[George Hermann]

Hi Chris, we had about 20 inches last week and are expecting 8 more tomorrow. Nobody will shovel that for free. If he otherwise does a good job I'd say its a good investment to pay the extra the few times we get heavy snow.