ROBBINSVILLE: Sidewalk snow removal discussed by council

Sidewalk snow removal discussed by council

by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
ROBBINSVILLE — Citing public safety concerns, township officials are exploring an ordinance requiring residents to clear snow covered sidewalks along their property.
   Members of the governing body specifically expressed concern about students walking to and from bus stops.
   ”You have an obligation to provide a safe thoroughfare along your sidewalk,” said Councilman Ron Witt. “The first kid that can’t walk on the sidewalk and has to walk in the street and is hit by a car we’re all going to be kicking ourselves.
   ”To me it’s a no-brainer,” Mr. Witt added.
   In possibly pursuing such a measure, through which residents may be fined for noncompliance, officials have examined ordinances from neighboring communities including Hamilton, Bordentown, Chesterfield and West Windsor.
   ”It should be common sense,” said Council President Sheree S. McGowan of residents clearing their sidewalks. “We shouldn’t have to make an ordinance for everything, but unfortunately (some) people don’t do anything unless you make them do it, and granted this winter has been atrocious.”
   According to township attorney Mark Roselli, such an ordinance has come up twice in recent years, but never realized due to concerns from council that they would be trying to “legislate people’s behavior.”
   Administration supports the measure, as Business Administrator Joy Tozzi said the township has received a great deal of complaints from residents.
   ”I can tell you that the town wants this because we get so many phone calls,” Ms. Tozzi said.
   While a formal ordinance has not been presented, based on discussion among members of the governing body, police would issue a warning to residents whose sidewalks are covered following a snow event.
   Residents would be fined if sidewalks aren’t cleared within 24 hours of receiving a warning.
   Officials discussed a variety of fines based on other communities, which range from $10 to $100. While other communities fined residents for each subsequent day sidewalks remained snow covered, it was unclear if the local officials would support a similar fine structure.
   Councilman Vincent J. Calcagno said he trusts the police officer’s discretion when addressing each situation.
   ”I trust their judgement in understanding the situations and when it’s a real problem and when it’s not,” he said. “The township is not trying to grab money from the people.
   ”When people don’t do it, it becomes a problem, and that’s what we’re trying to address,” he added.