Town Snow Removal

By Superintendent Brian Stiscia, Town of Gardiner Highway

From Issue 52: Winter 2022

It is important to be reminded of a few things in regards to snow removal and winter driving. During and after snow removal events, highway agencies like the Town of Gardiner Highway Department, in the course of plowing, receive emails or phone calls regarding damage to mailboxes or garbage/recycling cans, either from snow plows directly or from the force of snow being thrown by plows.  If such damage is indeed caused by snow removal, it is not done intentionally.  It is, however, an unfortunate consequence of snow removal.  

Placement of all garbage cans for pickup should be in the driveway – NOT in the traveling way of the road. The best method to protect your mailbox during the winter months is to ensure it is properly attached to a post that is in good condition.   Keep the mailbox assembly simple to limit impact surface area for plowed snow.

As far as the particular agencies replacing damaged mailboxes, it must be pointed out that there is no statutory or legal authority requiring them to do so.  In fact, under Section 319 of the New York State Highway Law, mailboxes are considered highway obstructions and are only “allowed” in the right-of-way as a convenience to the owner as it is understood they are required for mail delivery.

Proper mailbox / post specifications are located on the Town of Gardiner Website under Building Department Forms – Driveway Application. www.townofgardiner.org/forms