Proposed Snow ByLaw

The proposed Snow Removal ByLaw should be defeated, as it has been defeated TWICE previously.

This is how snow is actually treated in Belmont:

It starts to snow; The DPW plows snow from the roads onto the Tree Lawns and sidewalks; plowing CONTINUES for hours or, often, days after the cessation of the snow, resulting in berms several feet high.

So, EVEN IF a homeowner clears the sidewalk completely, in compliance with the proposed ByLaw, the Town CONTINUES to put additional snow and ice onto the homeowner cleared sidewalk. So. The Town can cause violations AT WILL.

Additionally, ANY passer-by can push snow from the berm onto the sidewalk, thereby IMMEDIATELY putting the homeowner in violation any subject to large fines.

Furthermore, as the snow melts, the sidewalk gets wet and then refreezes into sheet ice. It is all but IMPOSSIBLE to comply with the proposed ByLaw.

This proposed ByLaw is simply a tool to harass homeowners and raise revenue through excessive fines, and should be soundly defeated at TM.