Old Tappan council votes to enforce sidewalk snow-removal ordinance after two warnings

The Borough of Old Tappan Mayor and Council voted on Feb. 2 to enforce the borough's sidewalk snow-removal ordinance, adopting a requirement that property owners receive two written warnings before the town bills for removal or issues summonses.

The measure grew out of complaints from residents and safety concerns about children walking in the street near school zones following recent storms. Council member (speaking as a member of the council) said, "If safety is the number 1 issue and we are going to wait until March and something happens in one of the rows, that's on us," arguing the town should begin enforcement immediately. The motion that would have delayed enforcement until July failed on a roll call vote earlier in the meeting.

Council members debated whether the borough should treat the current snow season as a "season of education" because the ordinance is new, or whether the town should begin issuing fines right away. Supporters of immediate enforcement pointed to school-zone hazards and existing wording that allows the borough to clear sidewalks and charge residents when owners fail to do so. Opponents expressed concern about selective enforcement and the town's capacity to perform clearing without encouraging wealthier residents to rely on municipal crews.

Under the action passed by the council, enforcement will follow the ordinance as written but the administration will record and deliver two written warnings to a property before assessing costs or issuing summonses. The council also reiterated that unpaid charges can become liens against property, as the clerk explained during the discussion.

The council directed police and property-maintenance staff to continue issuing warnings and encouraged neighbors and volunteer groups to assist residents who might have difficulty clearing sidewalks. The motion passed by roll call during the public meeting; council members indicated warnings are being issued now, with summonses or bills to follow if the behavior continues in future storms.

The council also discussed implementation logistics, including how warnings are delivered to property owners who are away from town and whether DPW resources should be used for targeted clearing in school zones. No change to the ordinance text was made at the Feb. 2 meeting; the council's action establishes the enforcement practice for the near term. The meeting moved on to committee reports and adjourned.

Next steps: the borough will continue warnings and begin enforcement consistent with the council's direction; the council emphasized safety in school zones and asked staff to refine enforcement procedures and communications.