Mansfield Won't Ask Residents to Shovel Snow

Although some residents may be concerned they are expected to dig out sidewalks in front of their homes no matter what the conditions, selectmen say they have no intention of creating any laws to force the issue.

A West Street resident explained in a letter to the board last week he could not dig out his sidewalk and storm drains from the deep snow that had been plowed up and frozen on top of them. He was worried he was obligated to do it even though he was not as physically able as a younger person might be.

The man said he was trying to keep the drains clear and the sidewalks passable, but said he was not in favor of any law that would require homeowners to do the impossible task of scaling and removing drifts that can be several feet high.

Board chairman Kevin Moran said the idea of some kind of regulation has a basis in fact.

"A lot of communities have passed ordinances that you have to keep your sidewalks clear or they can fine you," he said. "I don't think there is any desire on the part of this board to impose such an ordinance."

Town Manager Bill Ross, who has worked in a number of communities in the Midwest, said in South Dakota property owners were dug out by the community public works department, but then were billed for the time.

But he said regulations requiring residents to do the heavy work are more appropriate to private property than to town-owned sidewalks and streets.

Selectmen have appealed to homeowners during this winter's severe weather to identify hydrants and street drains and either dig them out or notify the town of their location. Local business owners are expected to clear sidewalks for customers and passers-by.

But so far, there is no rule with consequences for private homeowners.

"Right now, none of those (laws) have teeth unless there is a fine," said board member Olivier Kozlowski. He added the board could not overlook the impact of clearing heavy snow on the elderly or those who aren't strong. "Some people are more fit than others," he said.

"How can you pass an ordinance requiring someone to clear property they don't own?" asked vice chairman George Dentino. "People pay taxes to have the walking area to schools cleared. But I don't think anyone has an obligation to clear a sidewalk in front of their property."

So for now at least, residents who can physically do the work are requested to either do what they can to free the street drains and the hydrants, or call the DPW and notify the department the street needs to be cleared.

Ross also added a second utility grade snow blower like the model seen in the downtown this winter is at the top of the capital improvements wish list. It sucks up heavy snow and blows it into a truck to be taken away.

"We could do more sidewalks with a second blower," he said.