As released by the Office of the Mayor:

HARRISBURG, Jan. 28 – Property owners must clear their sidewalks of snow and ice by Friday or risk citations, Mayor Eric Papenfuse warned Thursday.

“Sidewalks blocked by snow and ice are serious safety risks for pedestrians, and especially for children walking to school,” Papenfuse said. “The city ordinance requires that sidewalks are cleared 24 hours after the snow has stopped.”

Papenfuse said Harrisburg teachers have expressed concerns about the safety of children walking to school, and there were reports of some children slipping on icy sidewalks.

Codes enforcement officers on Friday will begin inspecting sidewalks, especially those around schools, to ensure the safety of children, Papenfuse said. “We will begin issuing warnings, but we are serious about protecting children and the elderly who must use the sidewalks.”

The ordinance warns of serious liability risks for property owners who do not clear their sidewalks to allow for the safe passage of pedestrians.

For more information, contact Joyce M. Davis at jdavis@cityofhbg.com, or call 717 255-3015.

Photo/Natalie Cake