The City of Beacon issued its first reminder warning of the season for how to park during a snowstorm, and who needs to shovel sidewalks.

“In anticipation of upcoming winter weather, we’re writing with a reminder of the City's rules and regulations regarding parking and sidewalks after snowfall,” the City sent via robo call, which arrives by email, phone call, and text message. Sign up for that communication service here.

On-Street Parking Rules

From the City of Beacon: After 2” inches of snow, your vehicle cannot be parked on the street between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. and must not obstruct City snowplows from clearing the streets. You’re welcome to move your vehicle into the City's public parking lots, but they must be moved 24 hours after the snow stops falling so that the parking lots can then be cleared after the streets are finished. We hope to avoid issuing any tickets.”

Public Parking Lots

The City of Beacon’s free municipal lots are located here. Cars parked there during a snow fall where the accumulation is 2” inches or greater, must move 24 hours after the snow stops falling. The City will not have cleared that parking lot, so you will need to dig yourself out. Once the cars have cleared the lot, the City of Beacon will plow it.

List of Free Municipal Parking Lots:
1 Municipal Plaza
Cross Street and Main Street (behind Hudson Beacon Glass)
Cliff Street (near Beacon Bread Company)
Parking Lot near Butterhead Salad and Gas Station
DMV Parking Lot
Church Street and North Chestnut (behind the old Rite Aid)
Henry Street (behind Yankee Clipper Diner)
Henry Street (behind Sun River Health and Beacon Post Office)
Van Nydeck (by The Station Dispensary and Brother's Trattoria)
Churchill Street (by Hudson Valley Brewery and Fishkill Creek)
Main Street and Verplanck (near Melzingah Tap House)

Snow Tossing Into The Street

Tempting as it may be to toss the snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the street, it is counterproductive, as the snowplow simply pushes it back onto your sidewalk, creating a giant wall. The City of Beacon said in their warning call: “Further, it is both unsafe and a violation of City code to throw snow into the road.”

Sidewalk Clearing: Property Owners Must Clear

The City of Beacon says that property owners must clear adjacent sidewalks within 24 hours of the snowfall ending. Seasoned snow shovelers know that once the temperature rises and the shoveled snow begins to melt, it gets heavy. Best to do while powdery.

The City of Beacon ended their message with a thanks to the Highway Department: “Thanks for helping our hardworking highway crews to get through the storm cleanup and ensuring our streets and sidewalks are safe for all to use.”