Ridgewood residents are warned not to throw snow back into the street as police patrols begin. Learn the rules for fire hydrants and how to handle those massive driveway piles
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, After a grueling 20-hour shift for Ridgewood’s plow operators, the streets of the Village are finally clear. But for many residents, the real work is just beginning—and the tension is rising as fast as the snowbanks.
Village Manager Keith Kazmark and the Ridgewood Police Department have issued a firm reminder to the community: Do not throw snow back into the street. While the goal is public safety, many neighbors in their 60s and 70s are pointing out a major flaw in the system: the massive “plow piles” left blocking their driveways. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe, stay legal, and stay sane this winter.
The Law: Why the Ridgewood Police are Patrolling
It may be tempting to shovel that wall of slush back into the street once the plow passes, but doing so creates a hazardous “freeze-over” for the next driver. The Ridgewood Police Department is currently patrolling the Village to enforce snow removal ordinances.
Pro Tip: Shoveling snow back into a cleared public road isn’t just a nuisance; in many NJ municipalities, it can result in a significant fine.
The “Hydrant Hero” Challenge
In the event of a fire, every second counts. If there is a fire hydrant near your property, the Village asks that you:
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Clear at least three feet of space around the hydrant.
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Shovel a clear path from the hydrant to the street.
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This simple act can save “critical minutes” during an emergency response.
The Driveway Dilemma: “Respect the Residents”
While many have applauded the Village for its 20-hour clearing marathon, a growing number of residents are frustrated by the 6-foot piles left at the foot of private driveways.
One resident noted on Facebook that as they enter their 60s, clearing these heavy, frozen barricades is no longer just a chore—it’s a health and “emergency risk.” The consensus among frustrated homeowners? “Instead of a smarter plowing solution, the policy just makes the snow the resident’s problem.”
How to Handle the “Big Pile” Smarter
Since the Village isn’t likely to change its plowing patterns mid-storm, here is the best way to handle the “Street-to-Driveway” wall:
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The “Pre-Clear” Trick: Clear an area to the left of your driveway (when facing the street). When the plow comes by, the snow will drop into that empty space instead of across your entrance.
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Call Village Hall: If you are a senior or have a medical condition and a massive pile is preventing you from leaving in an emergency, contact Village Hall to see if local volunteers are available.
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Don’t Wait: Slush turns to ice quickly. Clearing the plow pile immediately—before the sun goes down—is much easier on your back (and your shovel).
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As usual the plows redeposited heavy ice packed snow back on sidewalks after residents spent hours clearing the 20 inches. Funny how they wait til the end of day for one final, unnecessary run to leave sidewalks packed with snow. Village mgr needs to figure out a solution…it’s not difficult.
Do you complain about the leaf pick up in the fall also?
Nope
Heavy snow is a health risk to those above 50 who must shovel
Easy to say for those who never lift a finger clearing snow or cleaning up leaves.
If unnecessary…. How did you have snow on your sidewalk. Caught.
That is the point
I am on Hamilton. All things considered, I think the town did an excellent job with the conditions that were thrown at them. Job well done in my book.
The Snow Plow trucks need to slow down. They’re throwing Snow way too far. And I need to learn how to clean up corners. There is going to be a lot of corners. Need to be cleaned up with front end loader. Isn’t the new director out writing around with the foreman so he sees what’s going on? That’s what a lot of the towns are doing. Even the mayor is coming out.
Wait till spring, we still have to go back and do a cleanup with the leaves. Can you imagine how heavy spring cleanup is going to be., or did everyone forget?
great job in my area. when i crossed the border into waldwick yesterday taking a shortcut to avoid the longest traffic light in bergen at the end of monroe… it was like a third world country once on the waldwick side. thanks plow people great job in 07450
What’s the shortcut? I hate that light!
The Dpw needs to come out and start removing snow on corners throughout the town. Many intersections are covered over too dangerous. The director needs to go out and make a list.
They were outside my home on Morningside last night.