Who Clears Snowy Sidewalks in Essex, Chester and Deep River?

ESSEX, CHESTER, DEEP RIVER, CT — With several inches of snow upon us, some may be questioning, who is responsible for clearing the sidewalks in the towns of Essex, Chester and Deep River? The answer is different for each town.

In Chester, according to First Selectman Lauren Gister, the town takes care of the snow on the sidewalks.

In Essex and Deep River the answer is not as straight forward.

In Essex, according to First Selectman Norm Needleman, the town is in the process of taking on the task of sidewalk snow removal.

“Up until now it has been everyone for themselves, but the town has purchased a small piece of equipment and we are gradually learning how to use it,” said Needleman.

He added, “Hopefully, we get to the point where we are clearing all sidewalks, but for the time being, we are still asking residents to clear their sidewalks.”

The sentiment is much of the same in neighboring Deep River.

“I would love to have enough money in our budget so the town could clear all the sidewalks,” said First Selectman Angus McDonald. “However, that is not the case right now. The town clears the sidewalks in front of the public buildings and we ask that residents clear their own sidewalks and help their neighbors do the same if they see they need some help."