Avoiding the snow shovel in Holmdel

The Holmdel Township Committee is considering a measure that would require homeowners to clear the sidewalks in front of their homes of snow and ice within 24 hours of a storm.

Some homeowners said they are upset with the prospect of having to clear the sidewalks in the future.

The snow-removal section was in the township’s sidewalk ordinance from the 1970s through 1999, when it was removed after residents complained about having to clear the snow and ice from sidewalks.

Township Administrator Christopher Schultz said the ordinance change was prompted by recent complaints that include children having to walk on the street because sidewalks were snow covered.

Residents also have complained that the snow and ice removal may not be necessary in neighborhoods with less traffic. In addition, some said it is unreasonable to require them to clear 300 feet of sidewalk because the front of their property abuts 300 feet of sidewalk.

One resident argued, at the Feb. 9 Township Committee meeting, that because most school buses stop in front of passenger driveways during snowstorms, there is no necessity to clear the sidewalks for the students.

Most home buyers know that it is their responsibility to clear sidewalks in front of their homes. It would be impossible and extremely expensive for the township to hire the personnel needed to clear all of the municipal sidewalks. However, the township could be open to lawsuits from people who may slip and fall on snow- and ice-covered sidewalks. Hiring additional township workers or paying legal fees defending lawsuits will raise municipal taxes.

The problem could be alleviated if residents were responsible for sidewalk cleanup, but the committee has to realize there are exceptions to the rule.

Senior citizens and other individuals on fixed incomes and with physical limitations should not be expected to clear their front sidewalks.

If neighbors don’t help out the senior citizens in need, the township should be responsible for setting up a program where their sidewalks are cleared free of charge.

A public hearing on the ordinance change is scheduled Feb. 23.