Mailbox Information

Snowplowing

·         During snowstorms (usually greater than two inches of snow accumulation) Town crews will plow based on established routes.  Main roads are plowed first, followed by residential streets with one pass in either direction until the snowfall ceases.  Then all roads are plowed curb to curb to allow for the best drainage of melting snow.

·         Cul de Sacs are generally the last residential streets to be cleared as they oftentimes require alternate equipment and/or a greater time commitment and priority must be given to clearing main roadway access.

Private Plowing/Residential Snow Removal

·         Depositing of any snow from private driveways or sidewalks into public streets causes a Nuisance on Highways (Section 19a-335).  Violators will be subject to fines.  Homeowners will also be held responsible for the actions of their contractors.

Parking

·         Residents are encouraged to refrain from parking on the street during and immediately following snowstorms.  A parking ban may be declared and will be broadcast on local television and radio, as well as the Town’s website.  Vehicles parked in violation may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Driveways

·         The Town is not responsible for snow which is deposited in private driveways.  Plow operators have very little discretion as to where this snow can go.  The priority of the plow driver is to clear streets to ensure safe travel.  If possible, wait until the road has been completely plowed to the curb before shoveling the last 5-10 feet of your driveway.  This way less snow from the road will end up in your driveway.

·         If you cannot wait, it is best to place snow on the far side of your driveway away from the direction in which the plow is traveling.  In most cases, this means placing the snow on the right side of your driveway as you face the road.  This way the plow will carry the snow away from your driveway, rather than back into it.

Sanding/Ice-Melt

·         One of the relatively new methods being used in the snow and ice control field involves the treatment of roads with an anti-icing product in advance of and during the snow storms.

·         A reduction in the use of sand as a result of the ice melting product will result in less sand entering our streams and waterways; a reduction in Spring clean-up both for property owners and the Town; a reduction in sand being tracking into homes and businesses and finally a reduction in air pollution from blowing sand particles.

Self-serve Sand

·         Sand is available to private residents at the Highway and Grounds Garage located at 544 New Britain Avenue and at all of the Fire Houses.  There is a 5 gallon pail maximum.  Private contractors are strictly prohibited from taking this sand.

Sidewalks

·         Property owners are responsible for the clearing of all snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 (twenty-four) hours of the cessation of a snow event.  Violators are subject to a fine.  The Town may charge violators for any expenses it incurs to remove the snow/ice and file a lien for unpaid expenses.

Safety Reminders

·         DO NOT allow children to play on snow banks along the side of the street.  The Town may need to push back snow banks days after a storm to create room for the next snow event.

·         Older residents and those with health problems are reminded to avoid the extreme physical activity connected with shoveling snow.  Also, skiers, snowmobilers and A.T.V operators are advised to keep vehicles off of Town streets at all times.