Towns Around Buffalo Fining For Not Shoveling Sidewalks

Well, a lot of people may be in trouble here in Buffalo and a lot of people are not going to agree with this. It is a nice gesture when all homeowners in Western New York shovel their sidewalks. Therefore, people don’t have to run/walk in the street and the kids can walk to the school bus. Well, some towns around Buffalo will be fining people for not clearing off their sidewalks soon.

Both East Aurora & Amherst are considering the new enforcement but, the towns are coming up with numerous ideas to regulate this. To ensure that the sidewalks are always clear, the Town of Amherst is proposing to have private contractors clear the sidewalks and then charge homeowner’s tax bill.

The Mayor of East Aurora Allan Kasprzak has says that there will be a fine up to $250.00 for not clearing the sidewalk.  So the whole thing is not just thrown at residents at once, issuing warnings would be in place during the beginning stages.

Currently, Amherst charges residents $35.00 for not clearing sidewalks and up to $250.00 for commercial properties. "But if the new resolution using private contractors is passed, the fee will go up dramatically", according to WIVB.

Well, I live in Lancaster and they would make about a million dollars just off my street (haha). What do you think? Is this ridiculous? I agree that people should put more effort in to clearing off their sidewalks for joggers/kids going to school. But, what about an elderly couple that would struggle to shovel the sidewalks? What do you think?