City seeks Angels for snow, ice removal

October 06, 2007|By DAN DEARTH

The City of Hagerstown is seeking volunteers to shovel snow this winter for residents who aren't able to do so, said Cindy Blackstock, the city's community development coordinator.

The program, known as Snow Angels, is in its third year, she said.

"It's neighbors helping neighbors," Blackstock said. "I'm just hoping we have enough volunteers waiting in the wings to help."

Blackstock said the program was developed to ensure that residents comply with the city's snow-removal ordinance, which states, in part, that all sidewalks in the city must be kept free of snow and ice.

According to the ordinance, sidewalks outside of Hagerstown's business district have to be cleared within 10 hours after a winter storm subsides.

Inside the business district, sidewalks must be cleared within four hours after a storm, or before 9 a.m. if the storm occurs between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., the ordinance states.

John Lestitian, director of code administration for the city, said residents or business owners who fail to clear their sidewalks within the allotted time are subject to paying various fines.

For the first offense, violators would have to pay a $60 administrative fee and the cost of the city hiring a contractor to remove the snow, Lestitian said.

Subsequent violations would include paying the contractor and administrative costs, and a $200 fine for violating the city code, he said.

Last year, the city enforced about 40 violations of the snow removal ordinance, Lestitian said.

Want to volunteer?

People interested in volunteering for Snow Angels may call the City of Hagerstown at 301-739-8577, ext. 191.

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