Town Manager Asks For Patience On Clearing Snow From Sidewalks; Reminds Businesses To Do Their Part

WILMINGTON, MA — Mother nature dumped 11.5 inches of snow on Wilmington last Wednesday and Thursday, followed by days of extreme cold.

Town Manager Jeff Hull is asking residents for patience as the town’s clearing of sidewalks still continues.

“I want to extend my appreciation for the patience of residents. We still have work to be done in terms of clearing sidewalks,” acknowledged Hull at Monday night’s Selectmen’s Meeting.  “The first priority is plowing the main roads, followed by secondary roads and side streets. We then have to clear the parking lots for the schools and town buildings, plus the sidewalks where students stand for bus pickup.  We’ve [begun] addressing the other sidewalks.”

“We’ve gotten calls from folks asking ‘What about their sidewalks?,” said Hull.  “I would expect the town’s [sidewalk clearing] effort to continue this week, possibly into next week.”

Hull also reminded business owners that the town has a bylaw requiring them to keep their sidewalks clear of snow.

According to Chapter 5, Section 17 (“Clearing of Ice and Snow; Business Premises”):

The owner or occupant of any place of business shall keep the sidewalk adjoining his premises clear of snow and protected when icy conditions prevail. Whoever fails to comply with this section within 24 hours following a snow or ice storm shall forfeit and pay for each offense a fine not exceeding fifty ($50.00) dollars.

Hull and Selectmen were effusive in their praise of the Department of Public Works’s response to the recent storm.

“The DPW does an unbelievable job, making sure our roads are safe and passable,” said Selectman Ed Loud, a sentiment echoed by all his colleagues. “Thank you to all the men and women of our DPW.”

Selectman Greg Bendel also praised residents for their reaction to the recent winter storm.

“A lot of residents have been displaying what Wilmington is all about — helping each other out with shoveling, snowblowing, and plowing when they can; clearing sidewalks; digging out fire hydrants; and checking on neighbors,” said Bendel. “It’s nice to see everyone come together during difficult times.”

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