ATHOL — Town Manager Shaun Suhoski, in a letter to residents, said, “A predicted snowstorm looms on Friday as temperatures will dip.
“Given that there were areas where property owners did not clear snow from abutting sidewalks, it appears that a reminder is needed. Owners of properties that abut sidewalks of their obligation to ensure sidewalks are cleared of snow and ice within 48 hours after a storm concludes.
While most property owners comply with Chapter V, Section 15 of the Bylaws, there are exceptions, notably along the Main Street and Pleasant Street corridors. This memo is a reminder of the obligation to comply with the Bylaw or be subject to a warning and then $20 fine per incident (General Bylaws, Ch. III, Sec. 2.3), or, in the event of litigation, potential liability.
“The Town has no desire to issue fines and appreciates your best efforts to keep sidewalks clear in compliance with the bylaw. We wish you all a safe winter season.”