Posted on Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
Pittsfield Township considers stricter snow removal policy
By AnnArbor.com Staff
The Pittsfield Township board is considering an ordinance that requires residents to keep their sidewalks clear after every snowfall or drift that leaves 1 inch of snow on the surface, according to a Saline Reporter story.
Under the proposal, residents would have 24 hours to clear their walks before the township could call them to remove the snow and ice.
Residents who didn't clear their sidewalks following the warning could face a $50 fine, the Chronicle reported. The ordinance was reportedly modeled after one in Ann Arbor.
One trustee said the ordinance is too harsh and that 1 inch of snow is not enough to warrant a fine.
Comments
obviouscomment
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 3:40 p.m.
Will they be enforcing this for the apartment communities as well? We lived in Arbor Knoll Apartments for a time and they did a horrible job at keeping up the sidewalks and parking lot...there was even a clause in the lease that said that if you slip and fall on their poorly maintained sidewalks or parking lots that it isn't their fault.
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Doubtful, has to be a sidewalk adjacent to a public thoroughfare. you know the kind, where the municipality owns it but you are responsible for the upkeep. I'm going to keep an eye on Packard between 23 and Golfside, there are sidewalks on both sides of the street now.
jmac
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
Good luck with enforcing this new ordinance. Most subdivisions that have homeowners associations already have this kind of 'rule' on the books (ours does) but there are always 5-10 homeowners who don't feel it's their responsibility to clear the sidewalk in front of their house after a snowfall (small or large!). Most of these homeowners have small children who ride the school bus and have to walk to and from the bus on those same sidewalks every day, but still the message doesn't sink in. Our sub has a company that snowplows the common areas in the sub and homeowners who don't shovel after a sizeable snowfall (I think it's 4 inches) get plowed out by the company - and sent a bill for the service! That seems to be the only way to get through to some people.
pvitaly
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
Good thing I don't have a sidewalk on my street!
Basic Bob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 9:55 a.m.
Since my child has to walk a half mile to the nearest bus stop, we will be taking notes on how this policy is enforced. Especially taking note of the trustee's sidewalks.
Basic Bob
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:18 p.m.
You got me thinking. Maybe I can erect a sign in front of my house.... "NO WINTER MAINTENANCE"
OLDTIMER3
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 11:32 a.m.
I wonder who is going to keep the new walkway/bycycle path cleaned of snow?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 2:44 a.m.
Since I never see the Pittsfield Police in my neighborhood, I guess no one will no whether or not I shovel my walk. Good Night and Good Luck
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 4:04 p.m.
Good times!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:48 p.m.
Yow!!!!!!! Yeah, I had had a Scotch last night. LOL and good catch!! GN&GL
treetowncartel
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
Have you had an adult beverage? I don't think I have ever seen a typo in one of your posts before.
ChrisW
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
On second thought, I'll agree to the ordinance if I can fine the township $50 for plowing in my driveway every snowfall.
ChrisW
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 1:17 a.m.
How about they charge $20 and just shovel it for me?
JAM
Tue, Jan 8, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
Local business owners have an obligation to clear sidewalks on streets like Washtenaw and Packard. How else does an individual in a wheelchair or a senior citizen get to the bus stop. Many of our community members need access to public transit to get to Dr. Appointments, shopping etc. This is Michigan, we drive in snow. We do donuts! JAM
apples
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:54 a.m.
How could this be enforced when you can't even drive down the uncleared streets ? Wow, this might actually get the streets cleared before another storm rolls around.
Tesla
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
I think what they are trying to say is... Shovel your walks you lazy bums. Have some pride and consideration for others.
jcj
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
Looks like Pittsfield is looking for new ways to rob their citizens. Except that like Les Gov says they will be very selective when it comes to enforcement! It seems like every branch of Gov is worrying more about insignificant things than anything of consequence.
Les Gov
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:01 p.m.
Since this is about Pittsfield you should title the article to be "Pittsfield TWP considers stricter snow removal policy FOR SELECT INDIVIDUALS" Lets be honest. In Pittsfield some people are required to live by one set of rules/laws....other people...well they don't have to live by any set of rules/laws. Leash laws are a great example. Some homes have to keep their dogs on a leash. Other homes are allowed to let their dogs run the neighborhood. Pittsfield will only enforce the leash laws on select people....or maybe....there is another reason Pittsfield doesn't apply laws/rules equally to everyone.....hmm.... At any rate, this is only one example of many that I have when it comes to Pittsfield's select enforcement.
Jimmy McNulty
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
I don't get your point. Be more clear as not everyone lives in Pittsfield and gets your hidden meaning.
joe.blow
Thu, Oct 20, 2011 : 12:05 a.m.
What are you talking about?
joe.blow
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 10:54 p.m.
Does this mean I get to charge the township when it takes them 3 days to plow the street?
Jacob Bodnar
Wed, Oct 19, 2011 : 11:47 p.m.
In all fairness the county/nearby cities are responsible for plowing the townships - but I completely agree with your point. If the townships and cities are going to fine citizens for not shoveling after 24 hours - they should have all streets cleared within 24 hours.