Shoveling contract is talk of the town

AMHERST, N.Y. (WIVB) - According to the new Town of Amherst contract, if residents don't clean up their sidewalks 24 hours after it snows, it's the locals that have to pay up.

RELATED | Tuesday, the Amherst Town Council unanimously approved a new Enforcement Action Plan. If a resident or business doesn't shovel within 24 hours, the town could hire a private contractor to clean the sidewalks.

Cheryl Wisnieski has an elderly mother and father that live in Amherst and said, it isn't possible to keep up with the new town council rule.

"I think it's terrible if they make you pay $400 for elderly people if it's not shoveled because  they're under the mercy of their plow service who only come when it's 3 inches or more," said Wisnieski.

Some homeowners on the other hand, said if someone is capable of shoveling, they should.

The old fine for not shoveling was $35 for residents and $250 for businesses. If town officials hire a private contractor, it could cost anywhere from $150 to $450 which will be added to the tax bill.

Many local business owners said because the town already had an original fine in place, they will make sure they have contractors out to clear the lot as well as the sidewalk.