Winter Storm Jonas has come and gone, leaving behind piles of snow along the streets of Hamburg in its wake. What has Hamburg Borough been doing to remove all of that snow?
“We have been utilizing all of the resources available to us. We have a full-time five man crew, as well as a hired contractor to help with snow removal,” said Hamburg Borough Manager Marisa C. Lenceski.
Borough crews have been using plows, dump trucks, front end loader and bobcat to both push and remove snow.
But where does one put all of that snow?
“Some snow is plowed out of the travel lanes and some, as at intersections, is removed and dumped on our material storage sites,” said Lenceski.
There were a few challenges presented by this snow storm.
“The amount and longevity of snow fall presented considerable challenges to meet with the available equipment and manpower,” she said. “To date our snow removal costs are within the budget allocation set for this year.”
In preparation for winter weather, the borough did plan for snow removal.
“All of our equipment was inspected, serviced and operational in preparation of the storm. We also had stockpiled as much salt as we could store on site ready for our use this winter,” said Lenceski.
Winter Storm Jonas has affected businesses and residents, she said.
“Obviously, there has been a disruption as a result of the storm,” said Lenceski. “Our codes department has received very few complaints, only two snow related complaints to date. I believe the residents see the crews out working and understand the difficulty of the task. We thank our residents and businesses for their continued cooperation.”
The borough has requirements for businesses and residents regarding snow removal.
“There are requirements to provide a clear path on sidewalks. The borough will address every complaint and we try to use good judgment with large storms of this nature. As long as an honest effort is being made to clear the snow, the Borough tries to work with the property owners,” said Lenceski.
While the Borough is responsible for snow removal from the travel lanes of the streets, the property owners are responsible for snow removal from their properties.
According to the borough website, https://hamburgboro.com/Snow_Removal_3TWM.html, residents with fire hydrants on their property must clear snow away from the hydrant, snow and ice must be removed from all sidewalks within 24 hours after snow or ice storm, residents are required to make a path of at least 24 inches wide on all sidewalks, and when removing snow, do not throw or blow snow onto borough streets. The borough will contract out and have snow/ice removed if it has not been removed at the property owner’s expense.
The Our Town Foundation established a snow removal program for downtown Hamburg residents and businesses.
“Since the Borough is not legally responsible to remove the snow from the curb out to the travel lanes, the Foundation established a program a few years ago in which we hire one contractor to remove the snow from that area (curb to travel lane) but only for participating businesses,” said Our Town Foundation Executive Director Deena Kershner.
In November of every year OTF asks business owners if they are interested in participating for the following winter season.
“Our Town Foundation receives one bill from the contractor and then we divide the expense amongst the participating business by the number of linear feet in front of their property. That way everyone pays the same amount per linear feet,” said Kershner. “Business who choose not to participate in the program either hire contractors on their own, or they let the snow in the curb which usually creates a parking issue.”
Kershner added, “We initiated our program to provide an area for customers to park safely in the downtown, and the merchants who participate get a cheaper snow removal rate than they would if they hired a contractor on their own.”
Just walking along State and 4th streets in Hamburg or any of the side streets, the affects of Winter Storm Jonas can still be seen as pedestrians attempt to maneuver around snow piles and municipal parking lots are full considering street parking is at a premium.
