Yeadon council votes to advertise change to snow-removal deadline amid senior-safety debate

Yeadon Borough Council voted to advertise Ordinance 2026-005, a proposed amendment that would shorten the time residents have to clear sidewalks after a snowfall from 24 hours to 12 hours. Councilors and staff said the goal is to restore safe sidewalks sooner after hazardous storms and to reduce repeatedly rehardened snow that created dangerous conditions during the borough’s recent severe storm.

The vice president (speaking for the majority of council discussion) said the change is “not to create a hardship” but rather “to try to get the area back to normal as soon as possible after a snowy event,” noting that businesses reopen and first responders must travel while sidewalks remain hazardous. The vice president added the borough plans a public survey and to compile a list of contractor options and volunteer resources to help seniors and disabled residents who cannot shovel.

Opponents at the meeting cautioned that shortening the deadline could place an unreasonable burden on seniors, residents who work long shifts and those with disabilities. Councilor Jones Waters said she had heard many constituent calls opposing the change and argued the real issue is enforcement of the existing 24-hour rule rather than adopting a shorter deadline.

Code Director Lamont Collins told the council that borough enforcement teams issued citations after recent storms and that the problem of unshoveled sidewalks occurred more than once, not only during the single major storm. Councilors said the advertisement stage will allow formal public comment and suggested the administration provide clearer guidance on exemptions or assistance options before any final vote.

Next steps: the ordinance will be formally advertised and brought back for public comment; council asked staff to compile feedback, a need-based list for seniors and disabled residents, and options for contractors or volunteer programs to help implement any change.