Unsafe Sidewalks Hinder Princeton Students After Snowstorm

Resident calls for quicker sidewalk clearing to ensure safe routes to school.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:07pm

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A Princeton resident and parent is urging the town to clear sidewalks more quickly following a recent snowstorm, as hazardous conditions on walkways leading to the local middle school have forced students to walk in the street or cross intersections without crossing guards, increasing the risk of accidents.

Why it matters

Safe and accessible sidewalks are essential for encouraging walking and biking to school, which helps reduce car dependency. Ensuring students have safe passage to school, regardless of their mode of transportation, is a key priority for the community.

The details

Nearly a week after a significant snowstorm, sidewalks leading to the Princeton middle school remain largely uncleared, leaving them covered in snow, ice, and puddles. While the main roads are clear for vehicle traffic, the adjacent sidewalks are barely a foot wide in some places, forcing children and parents to walk in single file. This has resulted in hazardous conditions, with students sometimes forced to step into the street or cross intersections without the presence of crossing guards.

  • The recent snowstorm occurred within the past week.
  • The sidewalks have remained largely uncleared for nearly a week since the storm.

The players

Priya Hota

A Princeton resident and parent who is calling for quicker sidewalk clearing to ensure safe routes to school for students.

Princeton Middle School

The school that students are having difficulty accessing due to the unsafe sidewalk conditions.

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What they’re saying

“Safe, accessible sidewalks are essential if we want to support walking and biking to school and reduce car dependency. Our children deserve safe passage, regardless of how they travel.”

— Priya Hota, Princeton Resident and Parent

What’s next

The town of Princeton will need to consider clearing sidewalks more quickly after major snowstorms to ensure safe routes to school for students.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility, especially for students commuting to school. It underscores the need for municipalities to have robust snow removal plans that address both roadways and sidewalks in a timely manner.