Council asks staff to craft enforceable sidewalk-snow policy after review of New Britain's program

Council reviewed staff findings from New Britain, which enforces a citywide sidewalk-clearing program and issues roughly 60 citations per year for noncompliance. DPW staff said New Britain uses public-works crews to clear sidewalks after notice and charges property owners for removal when they do not comply.

Council members discussed whether Warren should keep a short compliance window (six hours under current ordinance) or extend to 24 hours, focus enforcement on compact/high-traffic areas (downtown, school routes), and use escalating penalties or private contractors to clear sidewalks and charge the property owner. One councilor urged targeting absentee landlords and bank-owned properties, which New Britain identified as frequent noncompliers. The council voted to refer the matter to the highway director and the traffic commission to develop specific criteria and return options for implementation.