Should Middletown Fine Residents Who Do Not Clear Walkways?

Four days after the snowfall, many Middletown walkways are still impassable. Although it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear the walkway that abuts their property, residents say the law has been largely ignored by residents.

According Middletown Town Ordinance General Regulations 94.01:

Whenever a sidewalk or portion thereof shall become encumbered with snow, ice, mud, obstruction or debris, it shall be the duty of the owner, occupant or person in charge of the property abutting upon such sidewalk to remove the same during daylight or before 9:00 a.m. after the falling of snow during darkness.  In complying with the foregoing requirements, no person shall use any pick, axe or other sharp tool or implement which could cause damage to the sidewalk.

Do you think Middletown should start fining residents who are out of compliance? Here is what a few people had to say on the Middletown Patch Facebook page. 

Ben Dinsmore Definitely, it's hard enough to walk around, get to work, whatever without having to be on the narrow roadways. It's not that hard, I did my house. There are ppl that you can pay that wander neighborhoods digging out cars and shoveling sidewalks. Dont let laziness get one of your fellow citizens hurt or killed.

Kim McNicol Yes! Dig out your mailbox, dig out your hydrant and clear your sidewalks!!! This is not a new concept.

Lisaandbrian Guarino Only if the town is held accountable for there actions.. i would like a rebate on my taxes for there lack of effort or there extremely poor planning... i am still snowed in. So bring it on Middletown. Bring it on. Ill make way more money in fines than you. Completely stupid.

What do you think? Should residents be fined? Tell us in the comments!