We would like to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation during the snowstorm and the cleanup efforts that followed. Most people were patient and understanding about the numerous inconveniences and hardships that come along with a storm like this. In the event that we have to endure more storms this winter, we would like to remind everyone in the borough about a few important issues.
It is a violation of the borough ordinance to deposit snow into streets or alleys, whether or not the street or alley has been plowed. Violators, if identified, may be asked to remove snow they have placed into the street or alley, and in extreme cases or repeat offenses, may be cited by the police. Blowing, shoveling or plowing snow into the street from the sidewalks, private parking lots or driveways makes street plowing more difficult and time consuming for borough personnel and increases the wear and tear on borough equipment, increasing the likelihood of breakdowns and further delays in clearing the streets.
In the case of streets that have already been cleared by the borough, depositing even small amounts of snow from shoveling walks back into the street can cause refreezing later and result in hazardous conditions.
The designated snow emergency routes are all of North and South Reading Avenue, all of East and West Philadelphia Avenue, all of North and South Madison Street and one block of North Monroe Street, between Fourth Street and E. Philadelphia Avenue. Parking is not allowed on these routes during a declared snow emergency, and vehicles normally will be towed by police if not moved. Despite the temporary inconvenience to residents, this allows for a much more thorough cleanup of the streets, resulting in safer driving conditions and less long-term inconvenience.
We applaud the efforts of the Borough Street Crew for their marathon efforts to clear our borough streets during the January blizzard. Our dedicated staff put in an extraordinary number of hours to plow streets and alleys for the safety and convenience of our residents.
The Borough Police Department has had numerous reports of thefts from vehicles throughout the borough, going back as far as early November. Neighboring jurisdictions have been targeted as well. Normally, unlocked vehicles are being targeted, with cash, coin and other small valuables being the loss.
Residents can reduce their chances of being victimized by locking car doors and not leaving valuables inside their vehicles, especially not in plain view. We also ask anyone with information, or anyone witnessing suspicious activity, to call the police right away. Do not wait until the next day or some later time. If police are called immediately there is a much greater chance that officers can respond and identify individuals involved in any incident or activity.
Contact the police by calling 610-369-3050 and choose the option to transfer to county dispatch if no one answers in the department. The county dispatch also provides a toll free number for both emergency and non-emergency calls, 1-800-372-9111. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call 911 for a prompt response.
The Police Department would like to thank everyone in the borough for the opportunity to serve and protect our special community.
