Residents in Syracuse are being reminded there is a town ordinance regarding snow removal regulations.

Letters will be sent out noting town officials have been made aware there are several sidewalks that have not been shoveled or even attempted to be shoveled. The letter, from town manager Henry DeJulia and chief of police Tony Ciriello, is a friendly reminder “that although this winter has been exceptional, we need to keep our sidewalks clear. We have children, in particular, that are walking on the streets to go to school. We do not want our children walking on the roads, as it is very dangerous.”

The town ordinance is Article 18, titled Snow Removal Regulations; Section 6-192, “Removal of Show and Ice from Sidewalks Required.” This ordinance requires occupants of a property in town to remove all snow and ice from public sidewalks, to the full paved width of the sidewalk within 24 hours after the snow and ice has fallen and accumulated.

Copies of this ordinance are available at the clerk-treasurer’s office.

Residents should also be aware penalties can be enforced if the violation is not corrected. In the future, residents will need to take full responsibility of cleaning their sidewalks.

Residents are reminded the public works department will continue to snowplow and keep roads and alleys open and in this case, the town will open sidewalks for children and pedestrian traffic.

Individuals with questions on these ordinances can direct such questions to DeJulia by calling (574) 457-3348 or to Ciriello by calling (574) 457-5333. Voluntary compliance on this issue is appreciated by town officials.