To all Borough Property Owners

The Borough ordinance on Streets and sidewalks was revised to provide for stronger enforcement. As you know, property owners are responsible for clearing adjacent sidewalks after storms. Unfortunately, a few residents have found it more convenient to have the Borough do the clearing for them. Others have kept their sidewalks clear. A fine, in addition to the fee for clearing the sidewalks, should put an end to this inequity.

The revised ordinance allows for fines up to $100. Fines will be $50, which we hope will be an adequate incentive for property owners to make private arrangements for clearing their sidewalks after a storm.

The text of the ordinance, found under STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, now reads:

5. Every person owning property abutting a sidewalk shall remove snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours after cessation of a storm and in such a way as to create a safe path at least two feet wide on said sidewalk. Safety shall be determined by the Sidewalk Commissioner or the Street Commissioner.

6. Upon determination that a violation has occurred of Section 5 above of this Ordinance, the Sidewalk Commissioner or the Street Commissioner shall have the authority to correct the violation and to charge the person responsible for such violation a reasonable fee for such service and to assess a fine up to $100.

Be advised that resultant fines and fees become liens on property if they remain unpaid.

This fine will only affect those few Borough citizens who do not clear their abutting sidewalks in a timely fashion. Obviously, an uncleared sidewalk is hazardous for pedestrians, and a fine will make it less likely to happen a second time.

We hope by this action to have clear sidewalks for the safety of all.