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Resident urges Pulaski to clear downtown sidewalks; council cites equipment limits and VDOT rules
Summary
A downtown business owner asked Pulaski to clear sidewalks after back-to-back storms; town staff said crews have worked long hours, noted equipment aging and budgeted purchases, and explained VDOT maintains some roads in small localities.
Mark Allen LeBlanc told the Pulaski Town Council that downtown sidewalks—particularly the path to the courthouse—were often impassable after recent storms and that packed sidewalks were limiting customer access to businesses. "People have to walk in front of my building on that sidewalk to get to the courthouse," LeBlanc said. "I'm asking you all to consider that... just add a courtesy to the people who must go to the courthouse."
Council members and staff responded that public works crews have been working extended hours after two consecutive storms and acknowledged gaps in sidewalk clearing. Joel Burchett said the town cleared about two miles of sidewalk recently and that back-to-back storms made full coverage difficult. "We did a little over 2 miles of sidewalk yesterday... we're bouncing off of routes and trying to get them," Burchett said. He added one piece of equipment used for sidewalks (a bobcat) is very old and that three pieces of equipment are proposed in the upcoming budget to improve capacity.
Council and staff discussed scope and responsibility. Burchett explained Virginia treats localities differently by population: localities under 3,500 may have road maintenance by VDOT, which affects pretreatment and plowing responsibilities. He cautioned that pretreatment chemicals are costly and can be harsh on vehicles, and said the town is weighing pretreatment options and equipment purchases rather than immediately changing longstanding sidewalk policies.
Councilors also explored alternatives such as contracting with private mowing/landscape vendors during winter; staff said they had already sought bids but encountered mixed interest from contractors. Burchett said staff will follow up with LeBlanc directly. No formal policy change or vote occurred during the meeting.
The council noted it will continue to address downtown access, and the town manager reminded the public that the next budget work session is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2026, where capital-equipment purchases will be discussed.
