Vernon Officials Announce Crackdown On 'Publication' Litter

VERNON, CT — Officials in Vernon on Friday announced a "unified effort" between police and zoning officials to "identify and ticket individuals who violate the town’s Ordinance Concerning Litter."

The move was in response to a plethora of complaints over the past few months, town officials said. A primary target of the ire has been delivery drivers "improperly depositing publications on driveways, streets and sidewalks causing litter."

Deliveries have also been made to homes that are vacant or to non-subscribers, causing publications to pile up in several locations around town, officials said.

Residents have reported damage to snow removal equipment because of the stray newspapers, officials said.

According to the ordinance, publications are to be delivered, "in a manner that prevents them from being carried away by the elements, such as placing them in a designated receptacle, hook or on the front porch of a residence."

Town officials said they previously sent a written notice to a "newspaper company" that employs "delivery drivers" seeking its "voluntary compliance."

"The cleanliness of our streets is a source of pride for our community,"Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said. "In response to concerns raised by our residents, Mayor (Daniel) Champagne and the Town Council adopted this ordinance to prohibit the improper deposit of publications on sidewalks, streets, and private property. This enforcement action is an important part of our strategy to keep our neighborhoods clean and litter free."

Police Chief James Kenny said, "This enforcement will target those individuals illegally distributing publications during the overnight hours. Zoning enforcement officials will be joining Vernon police officers in patrolling neighborhoods in marked and unmarked vehicles looking for violators and issuing citations."

Violators of this Ordinance are subject to a $100 fine. Violators may also be cited under state
littering laws which carry a $219 fine, officials said.

"Residents are encouraged to notify the source distributors of publications that are unwanted or improperly delivered to their homes," Purcaro said.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

To sign up for Vernon breaking news alerts and more, click here.