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Committee weighs expanding snow‑emergency rules to cover narrow neighborhood streets
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Summary
Benton Harbor staff proposed revising the snow‑emergency ordinance (chapter 41) to include "secondary streets" and to implement an expanded odd‑even parking or selective parking‑prohibition system; commissioners raised enforcement, tow‑policy and outreach concerns and staff proposed a 9–12 month public education campaign before any change.
City staff presented proposed updates to the snow‑emergency ordinance (identified in the discussion as chapter 41) to clarify how emergency declarations apply to secondary streets and to strengthen odd‑even parking rules. Presenters said the current declaration language focuses on main arterial routes (Empire, Territorial, Main Street) and that many neighborhood streets—such as Ogden, Superior and Baird—are far narrower (staff cited sample widths of about 21 feet) and therefore can become impassable for plows, fire and refuse vehicles during heavy snow.
The proposal would explicitly include secondary streets in emergency declarations and allow for tailored exemptions where odd‑even parking would be inappropriate because of extremely narrow blocks. Staff said enforcement tools would include towing for blocking streets, but commissioners and staff acknowledged enforcement creates equity and financial concerns: a towed vehicle can generate large fees for residents who are already struggling.
Members emphasized communication challenges; many residents lack internet access or social media, so staff proposed a robust outreach plan including signage, water‑bill mailers, newspaper notices and a long lead time. Staff recommended at least nine months to a year of public education before any ordinance change takes effect, with a tentative earliest implementation in 2027 to allow time for signage and public acclimation.
The committee agreed to route the draft language to the legislative committee for more detailed drafting and public comment, then return it to public safety for final recommendation.
