Borough Happenings

From the Police Department  

Snow Removal Reminder

When clearing driveways of snow in the winter months, please remember that roadways must remain clear in order to provide safe travel for motorists. Many Franklin Lakes residents utilize privately contracted snow plowing services that move snow into the roadway and/or onto another's property in violation of borough ordinance. 

Snow deposited onto public roadways may refreeze creating a significant hazard to the traveling public while also hindering future snow removal operations. Often, large snow mounds are formed along the sides of streets or near intersections that obstruct visibility for drivers causing major safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians. Homeowners who utilize private snow removal companies are responsible to remind them that it is a violation of borough code and New Jersey State Law 39:4-77.3 (Anti-Snow Dumping Act) to move snow into (or across) any roadway. The fine for a first offense is $250 and each subsequent offense thereafter is $500 all of which will be strictly enforced by the Franklin Lakes Police Department.   

Please be courteous to neighbors as they do not wish to have your snow piled on their property. This often results in property damage and/or flooding issues. Snow removed from your driveway or other areas of your property should remain on your property.

Also, we would like to remind residents of the Borough Code regarding the clearing of snow from sidewalks in front of their home or business. Snow and ice must be cleared from the sidewalk after the weather event has concluded, for residential property within 24 hours and for commercial property with 12 hours. The fine for a first offense is $50 and each subsequent offense thereafter is between $100 and $400.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Ice & Snow - Remove It Before You Go

The Franklin Lakes Police Department would like to remind you to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before driving, especially from the hood, windows and roof. It's the law in New Jersey! Motorists who fail to do so face fines of $25 to $75 for each offense, regardless of whether the ice and snow is dislodged from the vehicle. If flying ice or snow causes property damage or injury to others, motorists face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. There are approximately 500 fatalities in the United States per year due to icy road conditions.

Winter Driving Tips

• Drive slow (at or below the posted speed limit) and adjust your speed for the changing road conditions.
• Turn on your headlights, using low beams when traveling in snow.
• Increase your following distance. In winter weather, travel at least eight to 10 seconds behind the car in front of you.
• Give snowplows plenty of room to work. Don't tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution in doing so. Remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but they don't always see you.
• If you skid, don't brake or accelerate. Remove your foot from the gas, and gently steer your car in the direction of the skid (the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding.) When your car starts heading in the desired direction, carefully straighten the wheel.
• Slow down before exiting the highway. Exit ramps often have icy patches, sharp curves and stalled or stopped vehicles.
• Have a personal safety kit easily accessible in your vehicle that includes: an ice scraper/brush; shovel; jumper cables or battery starter; blanket; sand, salt or kitty litter for traction; lock de-icer; flashlight and new batteries; extra windshield wiper fluid; safety flares/warning device; cell phone with spare battery; water and non-perishable food (i.e., granola or protein bars); and paper towels or a cloth.
• If your vehicle does become disabled, pull off the road as far as possible and turn on your emergency flashers. Remain with your vehicle until help arrives. If you can't get your vehicle off the road and are uncertain about your safety, do not stay in your vehicle or stand behind it. Proceed carefully to a safe location away from traffic.

From the Fire Chief 

Clear Snow from Fire Hydrants

Borough code § 373-15.2 requires that owners or lessees that have hydrants on their property clear snow from around the hydrants within a five foot radius. If you have a contract for snow removal, please consider having your contractor clear the snow. If you have physical limitations and, because of these limitations, are unable to clear the snow, you should see if friends or neighbors can help. If you cannot get assistance from friends or neighbors, you can contact the Fire Department for help by email at firechief@franklinlakes.org or by phone at 201-891-5736. Fire hydrants in town have been identified with a hydrant stake. The hydrant stakes serve to mark the hydrant for first responders in the event of a true emergency and the hydrant is needed. If the hydrant in front of your home or business does not have a flag stake on top that extends above the hydrant, please contact the Fire Department at 201-891-5736.

From the Postmaster 

Clear Access to Mailbox

The Postmaster reminds all residents that after a snowstorm, they must remove snow in front of their mailbox to allow the mailman clear access to drive up to the mailbox and pull away in a vehicle.

Snow Stakes

If you have not already done so, you should install snow stakes on your property along the street edge. These stakes, if placed as close as possible to the edge of pavement or just behind the curb, will eliminate the risk that your lawn will be damaged by snowplows. When snowplowing, it can be nearly impossible to see the edge of the road. Snow stakes show the edge of the road and keep plows in the street and away from your lawns. Protect your lawn and help the Borough to snowplow properly - install snow stakes now!

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