HOULTON, Maine — With snow finally arriving in southern Aroostook County, Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca and Public Works Director Chris Stewart are reminding the public of the town’s parking restrictions.
From Nov. 1 of each year until April 1 of the following year, it is unlawful to park any motor vehicle on any street or public way and on any municipally owned property within the town between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.
“As we know, for many reasons, parking, snow removal and safety go hand in hand to ensure our streets, sidewalks and public parking areas are kept clear from ice and snow,” Chief DeLuca said.
“Regardless of parking restrictions, vehicles cannot hinder snow removal operations at any time,” Stewart added. “Therefore, it is best to make off-street parking arrangements during a snow event and after until snow removal operations are complete.”
In the downtown, motorists are also asked to observe the current two-hour restrictions as posted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Stewart also noted that it was illegal to plow, shovel or blow snow onto a public way — including streets, sidewalks and fire hydrants when clearing snow.
Downtown business district owners are also advised that it is their responsibility to remove ice and snow from the sidewalks in required areas.
Those using public parking lots at Water and Mechanic streets are asked to move their vehicles within 24 hours of a snow event. Once snow removal is complete, vehicles can be returned.
“Keeping these requirements in mind will help safeguard the community,” the chief said. “We would rather have everyone working together than have to take enforcement action.”
