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In Catskill, village officials are facing challenges in enforcing snow emergency laws. These laws require vehicles to be parked on the odd side of the street at night and switched to the even side during the day to facilitate snow removal. However, many residents are not complying, leading to ticketing, towing, and fines.
According to the Daily Gazette, the village has declared three snow emergencies this winter. Enforcement began after the second declaration, with five vehicles towed and numerous tickets issued. Natasha Law, vice president of the village’s Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of compliance for safety, stating, "It has to be a collective effort...otherwise, it results in more hazardous conditions."
The village has made efforts to educate residents about the laws, posting notices on the village's website, Facebook page, and local news outlets. However, Law noted that many residents are new to the area and may be unfamiliar with the regulations.
The village also requires residents to clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours. Failing to do so can result in a $100 fine, plus fees for the village to send a subcontractor to clear the sidewalks.
Despite the challenges, the village aims to educate rather than punish. Law mentioned that towing fees could significantly impact household budgets, and the village prefers to inform residents rather than impose penalties.