Madison Asks Biz Owners To Not Remove Snow From Downtown Walkways

MADISON, CT - Madison like most municipalities has a requirement that property owners are responsible for snow removal in front of their properties. But Madison, unlike most communities, is asking property owners in the downtown area - NOT - to remove snow.

Why?

Because the recently renovated downtown area has brick walkways in front of all the properties downtown.

And while those brick walkways might be aesthetically pleasing to the eye they are a pain when it comes to removing snow.

At the most recent Economic Development Commission, EDC Commissioner Ryan Duques discussed the issues regarding snow removal in the downtown area.

Duques pointed out that currently, the town of Madison ordinance still states that the property owner is responsible for snow removal but the Town is asking that the property owners not follow this rule and allow the Town to clean off the brick walkways in the downtown area.

There is concern that owners might use unacceptable equipment to clear snow and the new walkways could be damaged, Duques explained.

The Town crews have purchased specialized equipment and know the correct way to remove the snow from the brick material without causing any damage.

Duques said the issue of responsibility for snow removal needs to be addressed to avoid a potential insurance issue for the property owners. In addition, while the walkways are clear, there is still a problem with the snow banks and areas in front of the doors that need to be addressed so the merchants understand any responsibility they bear, he said.

Once a decision is made a change might need to be made to the ordinance if the Town will continue to take responsibility for snow removal since, as worded, the ordinance places responsibility in Town on the property owner.

Photo by Jack Kramer