Residents urge action on uncleared sidewalks as Borough cites snow emergency

At the Feb. 5 Media Borough Council workshop, several residents pressed officials to address uncleared sidewalks and intersection access after the recent storm, saying conditions create hazards for seniors, people with disabilities and families with strollers. Council heard that Public Works and many businesses cleared sidewalks but that some property owners left intersections obstructed.

Chris Bannon of North Jackson Street noted the specific safety risks at intersections and urged attention to seniors and people with mobility needs. Regina Hutchings of Manchester Avenue raised similar safety concerns and asked whether enforcement of the borough’s sidewalk-clearing ordinance is occurring. Brian Hall of North Edgemont Street cautioned council to consider affordability and physical limitations before imposing fines and suggested a community resource or vetted service to assist residents who cannot clear sidewalks.

Manager Forman said the Borough signed a snow emergency declaration during the recent storm and that Council will ratify that declaration; the Mayor’s report also noted targeted traffic enforcement and stepped-up municipal coordination on winter response. The Media Business Authority requested consideration of additional snow removal to restore parking spaces ahead of Valentine’s Day, a peak period for local restaurants.

Council did not take a final enforcement vote during the workshop; staff were asked to follow up with options for assistance programs, enforcement practicality, and cost estimates for additional removal to inform any future action.