Kenilworth officials weigh stricter snow-parking rules, hardship stickers after major storm

Mayor Linda Karlovich opened a workshop discussion on the borough’s snow ordinance, saying residents sent 'a whole block' letters about severe plowing impacts and that current rules are not working for many neighborhoods. She framed a proposal that would emphasize that residents should remove vehicles from streets after snowfall and suggested limited, documented exceptions for hardship cases.

"Please remove your car off the street. If you can't, it must be on the even side," Karlovich said during the discussion, outlining a short-term expectation that the borough would prioritize clearing streets if the majority comply and provide targeted relief where necessary. She proposed a hardship sticker program so police can quickly identify approved exceptions.

Councilman Scurry, speaking about enforcement experience, said the police issued 'over 200 summonses for the month of January,' noting the practical limits of towing and ticketing when vehicles are buried by snow. "When officers try to tow a vehicle covered in ice, it becomes a financial and logistical burden," Scurry said, arguing for policies that balance enforcement and equity.

Officials discussed zone-based approaches: stricter removal rules for less-congested areas and tailored exceptions where multi-family housing and limited driveway space make removal impractical. Council members suggested reserving municipal lots for temporary parking and creating a small number of registered parking spaces (for example, near the senior center) so vulnerable residents have access to daytime or event parking.

Several speakers raised problems with contractors and businesses pushing snow into travel lanes. The borough engineer and a council member cited a specific example: "Fox Intermodal, they plowed across the street. They choked the one lane on 14th Street down to half a lane," a council member said, pressing for notices of violation and follow-up with property owners who endanger traffic flow.

Borough staff said they will draft a standard operating procedure and bring a proposal to a committee for review before any ordinance change is introduced. The administrator said she is "writing an SOP" and will seek committee approval so the police department and DPW have a consistent enforcement approach.

No formal ordinance change or vote was taken at the meeting. Council members agreed to continue the discussion, form a working group, and return with proposed language and implementation details, including exception criteria and whether to use municipal lots for short-term parking.

What happens next: borough staff will draft the SOP and parking/permit language for the council’s review; a working group or committee will review zone maps and enforcement mechanics prior to any ordinance amendment.