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Council hears extended DPW snow cleanup demands and update on New Jersey American Water project
Summary
Council members were told DPW began snow operations at 5 a.m., worked long shifts and may need 2–3 nights of overtime to remove downtown snowbanks; New Jersey American Water will assist with snow removal and is finishing lateral connections on West, Bernards/Bernardsville and Center streets, officials said.
Nancy (council member) reported on Jan. 26 that a major snowstorm required extended DPW shifts and equipment repairs, and she thanked residents for avoiding streets during the storm.
“Nancy said DPW started working at 5 a.m. on Sunday, and they went home, 03:30 this afternoon,” noting crews had been on long shifts and that some plows and parts failed. She told the council the downtown right-of-way has banks of snow “anywhere between 2 and 6 feet wide, 2 to 3 feet high,” and that removing those banks would be an expensive undertaking possibly requiring two to three nights of overtime; she did not have a final dollar figure available that night.
Nancy also told the council that New Jersey American Water would help the borough remove snow in particularly affected spots (noting concentration along Route 202 and near the train-station area) and that the water-company project to connect laterals on West, Bernards/Bernardsville and Center streets is nearly finished; she said notices had been provided in October, and only a couple of streets remained to be completed, with one night of overnight work needed to cut and cap a main on Mount Airy.
Council members discussed prioritizing crosswalks, driveway openings and sidewalks near downtown merchants to maintain access and visibility; several members urged using judgment to prioritize areas where walking and business access are most impacted. One member asked whether contractors or DPW personnel would perform the snow removal; Nancy confirmed the DPW would continue with possible contractor support and that New Jersey American Water would assist on specific spots.
Fran (library) asked about library operations during the closures and requested a future time on the agenda to present the library’s 2025 activities and budget numbers; she noted the library would host mini golf later in the month and a book talk on Feb. 5.
What happens next: The council directed staff to prioritize downtown sidewalks, crosswalks and driveway openings as DPW schedules cleanup and to work with New Jersey American Water on coordinated removal. Nancy said DPW will continue cleanup through the following week and will provide cost estimates to the council once available.
