Complaints about residents and business owners not clearing snow from sidewalks are starting to increase.
A man and his son walked into Stratford police headquarters Feb. 10 to report sidewalks not cleared near a school, leading pedestrians to walk in the street. Email has been sent to The Star asking who is responsible for enforcing the sidewalk ordinance. The police are responsible.
Councilman Matt Catalano asked Mayor John Harkins during the Feb. 10 Town Council meeting about enforcement of the snow-clearing ordinance, and the mayor responded by directing the question to the police.
Stratford police Chief Patrick Ridenhour told The Star on Feb. 11 that he has advised his personnel to take note of sidewalks that are not clear and “start knocking on doors” to let the responsible parties know about the problem.
“If push comes to shove, we’ll have to issue tickets,” Ridenhour said.
Stratford town ordinance says that property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their property line within 24 hours after the storm and for keeping the sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
The chief added that police will take into consideration what the reason is for not clearing the sidewalk, such as an elderly person being physically unable to do so.
The chief urges anyone who sees a sidewalk that has not been cleared to report that to the police.