Princeton Police Warn Repeat Snow Shoveling Offenders

Residents who fail to clear sidewalks face potential enforcement action after multiple warnings.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Princeton, New Jersey police have issued a warning to residents who repeatedly fail to clear snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, as required by the town's ordinance. The police department has received over 160 complaints about snow-blocked sidewalks in January and has been following up with property owners to educate them about the law. Now, with a recent 16-inch snowstorm, the police say they will start to take enforcement action against repeat offenders, which could include fines.

Why it matters

Keeping sidewalks clear of snow is an important public safety issue, ensuring that pedestrians, including the elderly and those with disabilities, can safely navigate the town's walkways. The police are taking a balanced approach, first educating residents about the law before resorting to enforcement, in an effort to promote community cooperation.

The details

Princeton's town ordinance requires residents and businesses to clear snow from their sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowfall, creating a path at least 4 feet wide. After receiving over 160 complaints in January about snow-blocked sidewalks, the police department's Community Relations Bureau has been following up with property owners, providing information about the law and issuing warnings. Now, after the recent 16-inch snowstorm, the police say they will start to take enforcement action against repeat offenders, which could include fines.

  • On Monday, February 23, Princeton police issued a warning about snow shoveling requirements at a town council meeting.
  • In January 2026, the police department received over 160 reports of snow-blocked sidewalks.

The players

Captain Thomas Lagomarsino

A Princeton police officer who provided an update on the department's snow shoveling enforcement efforts at the town council meeting.

Councilperson Newlin

A Princeton town council member who described the sidewalks in his neighborhood as "like a hopscotch" due to uncleared snow.

Council President Pirone Lambros

The president of the Princeton town council who urged residents to check on elderly neighbors and help with shoveling.

Mayor Freda

The mayor of Princeton who appealed to residents' self-interest, noting that uncleared snow could block access for emergency services.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have to use enforcement.”

— Captain Thomas Lagomarsino, Princeton Police Officer (tapinto.net)

“The sidewalks in his Witherspoon-Jackson neighborhood are 'like a hopscotch'.”

— Councilperson Newlin, Princeton Town Council Member (tapinto.net)

“Check in on elderly neighborhoods, and to lend a shoveling hand where needed.”

— Council President Pirone Lambros, Princeton Town Council President (tapinto.net)

“If the fire hydrants were blocked, emergency services would not be able to reach their homes.”

— Mayor Freda, Princeton Mayor (tapinto.net)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow any repeat offenders to be fined for failing to clear their sidewalks.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety, as well as the challenges faced by local governments in balancing education and enforcement when it comes to snow removal laws.