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Student asks Old Tappan council to clear unshoveled sidewalks near high school
Summary
A high‑school student told the Borough of Old Tappan council that unshoveled sidewalks forcing students into the roadway create a safety hazard; council members discussed a volunteer shovel committee, social‑service outreach and a prospective sidewalk‑shoveling ordinance.
A student, Matthew Marcelinelli, addressed the Borough of Old Tappan Mayor & Council during the public‑comment period to report multiple unshoveled sidewalks near the high school and request action.
“Im Matthew Marcelinelli, and I live at 359 Old Japan Road,” Marcelinelli told the council, and said sidewalks at about 112 and 116 Central Avenue were uncleared, forcing students to walk in the street. Council members agreed the conditions were dangerous and discussed short‑term help through social services and a possible volunteer shovel committee. One council member said the borough is considering a sidewalk‑shoveling ordinance modeled on other Bergen County towns that would require property owners to clear sidewalks within a set time after snowfall.
Council members also invited the student to engage with the borough youth council and asked staff to follow up on whether senior residents at the listed addresses needed assistance. The council noted the risk manager has recommended a local ordinance and said a committee meeting will be scheduled to plan outreach and any ordinance language.
