Warwick, RI – Starting this morning at 7 a.m. and lasting through Saturday, 7 p.m., Warwick Police have announced they’re enforcing the city’s sidewalk clearing ordinance, which carries a $100 fine for the first and second offense.
“We realize the burden of compliance with this ordinance, given the depth of the snow; nevertheless, ample time has passed since the initial storm in order to achieve compliance,” states a press release from Maj. Raymond E. Gallucci, Jr., the WPD operations bureau commander.
“Additionally, we understand many of the reasons and excuses for not complying; they fail in comparison when balanced against safety considerations,” the release states.
Those considerations were highlighted by what the release stated were numerous complaints received by the department about snow removal from sidewalks. Gallucci wrote the safety hazard is particularly acute for students and the elderly.
Gallucci also wrote that the police have already made an effort to educate businesses and homeowners, hoping to inspire people to clear their walks on their own.
City law Sec. 70-102, Removal of Snow Required states, “The owner, owner-designated occupant or any person having the care of any building or lot of land bordering on any street shall cause the snow to be removed from the sidewalk.”
“Violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of $100 for the first offense and second offense.”
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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