Residents, business owners, and police raise concerns over fairness and enforcement of new winter safety proposal.
At a public forum held this past Wednesday evening, the Reading Bylaw Committee presented a proposed snow removal bylaw aimed at improving pedestrian safety in the town’s downtown business district during winter months. The meeting, which included both in-person and virtual participation, drew a wide range of voices—from committee members and town officials to business owners and residents.
Background and Purpose
The proposed bylaw originated from a 2022 citizen petition by Town Meeting Member Mary Parr, calling for a requirement that downtown business property owners clear snow and ice from sidewalks following winter storms. Committee Chair Jesse Arnold shared personal experiences navigating icy sidewalks post-surgery, emphasizing the importance of safe, walkable streets for all residents, especially those with mobility challenges.
Our goal is to make downtown accessible and safe for everyone,” Arnold said. “We’re not trying to be punitive—we’re trying to be proactive.”
Key Provisions
The bylaw would require property owners in the Smart Growth Business District to clear at least 42 inches of sidewalk width—enough for wheelchair access—within a reasonable time after a storm and maintain it during freeze-thaw cycles. The committee cited similar bylaws in neighboring towns such as Medford, Wakefield, Wilmington, and Beverly.
Concerns Over Enforcement
Enforcement emerged as a major point of contention. Police Chief David Clark stated unequivocally that the Reading Police Department lacks the resources to enforce the bylaw and that such responsibilities fall outside the scope of community policing.
This is not a police function,” Clark said. “We’re already stretched thin during storms responding to emergencies. If this is meant to be educational, remove the enforcement language.”
Business Owner Feedback and Outreach
Several business owners expressed concern over the lack of direct notification about the meeting and questioned the fairness of targeting only downtown properties. Chris Haley, a Haven Street business owner and resident, stated that if pedestrian safety is the objective, the bylaw should be implemented across the entire town including schools, but overall, he opposes the proposal.
Karen Herrick of the Select Board echoed concerns about outreach and enforcement clarity, asking:
Has everybody in the Smart Growth District been notified by USPS mail or email? Because we often hear at Town Meeting, ‘This is the first I’ve heard of it.’”
Committee members acknowledged the need for broader outreach and indicated that amendments may be made before the bylaw reaches Town Meeting.
Others, like Crystal, a downtown shop owner, advocated for a partnership with the Department of Public Works (DPW) to provide accessible supplies like sand and salt, especially during shortages. DPW’s Chris Cole responded positively, stating that additional barrels could be placed downtown to assist with snow and ice mitigation.
Next Steps
The committee emphasized that the bylaw remains a work in progress and welcomed continued feedback. Additional forums and discussions are expected, with the possibility of revisions to enforcement mechanisms and scope.
We’re listening,” Arnold said. “This is about making Reading safer and more walkable, and we want to get it right.”
The full discussion can be seen in the video below:
