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Student tells council students are walking in road because sidewalks weren’t cleared
Summary
A high‑school student urged the Old Tappan council to clear sidewalks near the high school after recent snow, saying several houses haven’t shoveled and students are forced onto the roadway. Councilmembers said they will pursue an ordinance and look at volunteer assistance for seniors.
A student who identified himself as Matthew Marcelinelli told the Old Tappan Mayor and Council that sidewalks near the high school were not shoveled after recent snowfall, forcing students to walk in the street.
"So the students have to walk in the road to get to the high school," Marcelinelli said, identifying the stretch he meant as near 112 and 116 Central Avenue. Council members discussed whether older residents at the properties might need social‑service help and raised the prospect of a town ordinance requiring sidewalk clearing. One councilor noted that many Bergen County towns already require sidewalks to be cleared within 24 hours after snow ends and said Old Tappan's risk manager has recommended a similar ordinance.
Council members also discussed forming a volunteer committee — including outreach through the pastor and social services — to assist seniors who cannot shovel, and said they would consider adding a sidewalk‑clearing ordinance to an upcoming agenda.
Marcelinelli said he parks at a friend's house and walks to school, and asked the council to act because students' safety was at stake. The council thanked him for speaking and suggested the youth council as another venue for student input.
