DEWEY BEACH, Del.— A proposal is being discussed during the Dewey Beach Town Council meeting on Friday, June 20, that could shift the responsibility of snow removal on sidewalks to property and business owners along Coastal Highway.
Town Manager Bill Zolper says the town’s first priority is clearing routes for emergency vehicles.
"Some of the folks in town want sidewalks cleared quickly, but we just don't have the people or equipment to do that," Zolper said.
Under the proposed ordinance, property owners would be required to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to their properties within a specific timeframe or face fines. If snowfall totals less than six inches, owners would have 24 hours to remove it after the snow stops. For snowfall greater than six inches, the time window extends to 48 hours.
Those who fail to comply could be fined $50.Â
The proposed change has drawn mixed reactions from locals and business owners. Greg Gonzales, who owns a pet care business in Dewey Beach, expressed concern about the potential burden.
"Honestly, I think the town should help us out and get the snow plowed," Gonzales said.
When snow returns, Dewey Beach sidewalks and the responsibilities for clearing them could look quite different after the June 20, Vote.