Remedy sought for North Creek's sidewalk snowbanks

NORTH CREEK | For decades, Warren County's snowplows clearing Main Street in North Creek have made passes through town during snowstorms, throwing snow up on sidewalks, hindering access to local businesses and causing a hazard for pedestrians. Unlike many municipalities, the town of Johnsburg has not to date enacted an ordinance requiring property owners to clear public sidewalks on their property. With the recent arrival of snow in the region, the issue of winter sidewalk maintenance was a subject of discussion at a recent Johnsburg town board meeting. At the session, town resident Janet Konis expressed her opinion. "The county leaves towers of snow on the sidewalks that no one can get over," she said, noting that the residual snowbanks from plowing also obscure North Creek's renowned streetside Mosaic Wall. The board members discussed remedies. Although a local sidewalk maintenance ordinance was suggested, town board member Arnold Stevens noted that sidewalk snow removal would be a hardship for elderly property owners. Supervisor Andrea Hogan suggested purchasing a sidewalk snow removal device, and the board reached a consensus on the issue. After research conducted by board members, Hogan said Feb. 4 that the board now intends to purchase a four-wheel sidewalk snow-clearing vehicle that can both plow the pathways and throw the snow, as appropriate. The sidewalk clearing "tractor" is to be obtained and put to use by next winter, she said. The town has received a discounted quote for such a vehicle and its accessories of $24,739 including delivery and setup. It would be operated by the town's Parks and Recreation personnel, as highway employees would be busy clearing the roads, board members said. Other actions taken at the late-January town board meeting include: • authorizing town Highway Superintendent Fred Comstock to manage the sale or auction of various items of surplus town equipment; • approving hiring a new highway department vehicle operator due to the resignation of a present employee; • granting a raise of $1 per hour for the town bookkeeper and Johnsburg's Administrative Clerk, as well as a 15 cents per hour increase for a custodian position; • deciding to hang about a dozen banners from utility poles in town promoting Tannery Pond Community Center; and • enacting a resolution of recognition for the late Gretchen Millington, a longtime town board member.

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Remedy sought for North Creek's sidewalk snowbanks

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