READING, Pa. – On a normal snow day in Reading, residents and business owners are still responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks.
Downtown properties have two hours after the snow stops to clear sidewalks. Most other areas have four hours.
If sidewalks are not cleared in time, property owners could face a fine.
For business owners like Salvatore Esposito at Ray’s #1 Pizza, preparation is already underway.
“My responsibility is the frontage,” Esposito said. “I’ve got to make sure it’s all nice and de-snowed — remove the snow and ice out, put the salt down for people, make sure that the trash cans are accessible for the tenants that live upstairs.”
If a snow emergency is declared, the rules change.
Drivers would have four hours to move vehicles off designated snow emergency routes, or risk being ticketed or towed.
During a snow emergency, city parking garages would be free to use.
New Reading residents are also preparing. Escarling Zarrilla moved from the Dominican Republic about a year ago and recently opened D’Lola Liquidation in the downtown area.
“Each business owner is responsible for keeping their area clean,” Zarrilla said. “We spread salt at night so it’s easier to remove the snow the next day.”
City officials say they are still evaluating conditions and have not yet declared a snow emergency. Any decision will be announced through city hall and official city channels.