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Hawthorne adopts ordinance requiring hydrant clearance and bans throwing snow into roadways; council debates enforcement
Summary
Council passed a revised snow-and-ice removal ordinance requiring residents to clear snow around fire hydrants (36-inch radius discussed) and prohibiting throwing snow from private property into the roadway; members debated enforceability and education, and several abstentions and at least one 'no' were recorded before the motion carried.
The Hawthorne Borough Council on March 4 adopted Ordinance 2385-26 to amend the borough’s Streets and Sidewalks code to require removal of snow and ice around fire hydrants and to simplify prohibitions on throwing snow into the street from private property.
Council discussed specific language and enforcement mechanics. One member asked whether the ordinance specifies a measurement around hydrants; another replied that the clearance is "36 inches" (a three-foot radius). Council members argued the ordinance should be simplified to prohibit throwing snow into the road from private property without listing numerous examples; one council member suggested a short, clear definition: "no throwing snow into the street from your property, period."
Members also debated enforcement and outreach. One councilor expressed concern that education should precede ordinance enforcement, given that long periods without heavy snow make the rule feel stringent; another said the town will need to continue issuing summonses and pursue prosecution for repeat offenders. The attorney and administration explained that some remedies require court judgments before fines can be collected and that municipal court scheduling challenges have slowed enforcement.
The motion passed, though the transcript records abstentions and at least one 'no' vote before the clerk announced that the motion carried. Council directed staff to clarify code language (including hydrant radius) and to coordinate guidance and enforcement with Department of Public Works and police.
What to watch: The town will publish guidance about hydrant clearing and may develop a vendor list or other supports for residents unable to do the work. Enforcement is likely to rely on summonses and court prosecution for repeat violations.
