Youngstown issues 'friendly warnings' to downtown businesses with snow-covered walkways

YOUNGSTOWN

After the first major snowstorm since the city started requiring downtown businesses to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, most complied.

But there were a few problems, said Mayor John A. McNally.

The city removed the snow Tuesday in front of a few of those buildings on West Federal Street – downtown’s busiest street – but didn’t fine any of the property owners, he said.

“We sent a friendly reminder to those who didn’t comply, but I appreciate the efforts all the other folks made to clear the sidewalks,” McNally said.

The next time, he said, the city will enforce the fine part of the ordinance that requires downtown businesses to remove snow and ice from city sidewalks by 9 a.m. on the day after it snows with a minimum 42-inch cleared path. If a sidewalk is fewer than 42 inches wide, the full width must be cleared under the city law.

Failure to do so could result in a $150 fine per occurrence for up to 100 linear feet, and $250 per occurrence for 100 linear feet or more.

Read more about the matter in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.