Copyright M Live Michigan
KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI — Oshtemo Township is tightening its snow removal requirements for residents and businesses. Property owners will now have 24 hours to remove snow from sidewalks or other non-motorized pathways or else they will be billed for removal costs. Township officials requested the change at a Tuesday, Oct. 28 township board meeting because multiple business owners weren’t removing snow in a timely fashion and the existing ordinance didn’t allow the township to remove the snow. The proposed ordinance passed unanimously, replacing the old one. “There are commercial properties that are just flat out ignoring ordinance enforcement’s contact,” said Cheri Bell, township supervisor. Previously, property owners had 48 hours to clear snow from public walkways. If they didn’t, they’d be taken to court. That process took several weeks and the snow still wouldn’t be removed, township officials said. The process was “very lengthy,” said Alan Miller, the township’s ordinance enforcement officer. Last winter, non-compliance created “hazardous conditions” for pedestrians in multiple business districts throughout the township, officials said. Residential property owners, while impacted by the change in the ordinance, weren’t an issue, officials said. One of the biggest challenge areas last winter was near West Main Street and Maple Hill Drive. There are several apartment complexes, including one for senior residents, nearby as well as shops, bus stops and restaurants. Under the new ordinance, if snow is not removed within 24 hours, the township will hire a contractor to remove it and bill property owners directly.
