Politics & Government

Newton Aldermen to Consider Extending Trial of Snow Shoveling Ordinance

The full board passed the two-year trial in March 2012.

Newton's snow shoveling ordinance, an item that has been heavily contested in the city, will head back to the aldermen this week for further consideration. 

Both the Public Safety and Public Facilities committees will discuss this week an extension to the two-year "trial" snow shoveling ordinance. 

According to committee agendas, 15 aldermen have docketed an item that requests a one-year extension to the trial, which is scheduled to expire on Nov. 1, 2013.

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Approved by the Board of Aldermen in March 2011, the trial snow shoveling ordinance requires property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their property within 30 hours of a storm. 

During the trial, which started on Nov. 1, 2011, the city does not fine property owners for not shoveling, but may issue notices of non-compliance. 

Find out what's happening in Newtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The aldermen agreed that prior to the ordinance's November 2013 "sunset" date, the board would vote whether to continue the requirement and implement fines for not shoveling.

Since the trial started, though, residents have only had to deal with a handful of snowstorms. Last winter was one of the mildest on record and this season has only brought one snowstorm so far. 

The city has also set up resources for those who cannot shovel, including exemption forms and lists of local residents willing to shovel for a fee. 

The Public Safety Committee will meet jointly with the Public Facilities Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 9 to take up the snow shoveling item. The meeting will be held at 7:45 p.m. in room 202 at City Hall. 


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