Updated, 6:15 p.m.: All West Hartford Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 28,, 2023. A parking ban takes effect at 5 p.m. Monday with snow expected to begin falling in the evening.

By Ronni Newton

Update, 6:15 p.m.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Andy Morrow announced at 6:5 p.m. that all West Hartford Public Schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Original Story:

West Hartford Department of Public Works Director John Phillips announced Monday morning that a parking ban will go into effect at 5 p.m. Monday, and will remain in effect until further notice.

“Our goal is to have a safe and efficient maintenance and clean-up operation. Please find off-street parking during the storm,” the DPW said in a tweet.

After school activities on Monday remain on schedule.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the Hartford area, which goes into effect at 7 p.m. Monday and will be in effect until 7 p.m. Tuesday. A total of 3 to 7 inches of snow is being forecast for Monday night, with an additional 1 to 2 inches predicted Tuesday before precipitation tapers off and ends  by 2 p.m. The overnight temperature is predicted to be 28 degrees, while highs on Tuesday are expected to reach 36 degrees.

While off-street parking sometimes includes school parking lots, a decision about the opening of schools had not yet been made as of mid-day Monday. Interim Superintendent Andy Morrow said the district is continuing to monitor the weather forecasts and if possible will make a decision Monday evening to allow parents to plan for the care of their children if the school schedule is impacted.

Residents can use parking lots at neighborhood parks, and garage and municipal lots are available, with fees in effect.

As a reminder, the following are snow and parking ban-related protocols for the Town of West Hartford.

Parking ban

Parking bans are needed to keep roadways free of vehicles so that Public Works crews are able to plow the snow from curb-to-curb, and cars parked on the road create safety hazards.

Owners who do not heed the parking ban will be fined, and the car may be towed.

During a parking ban, residents can park in off-street lots. Schools lots may only be utilized when specifically noted by Public Works, and that is generally when it is anticipated that schools will be closed.

Those using surface lots are asked to park next to other cars – rather than leaving parking spaces between them – to assist Public Works in effectively clearing those areas.

Regular fees will be in effect at municipal lots and parking garages.

Motorists may register their plates using one of the kiosks inside a the parking garage or can use either the Flowbird or Passport Parking mobile app.

Enforcement

Cars left parked on the street during a parking ban will be ticketed, and may be towed. West Hartford Police will be assisting Public Works to keep the roads clear of illegally parked vehicles.

Snow removal contractors are reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

Sidewalks

Per town ordinance, West Hartford property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their property line within 12 hours after the storm or by sunrise – whichever is later. Residents are required to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

It’s particularly important to keep heavily-used sidewalks – those near schools, public buildings, and commercial areas – free and clear. Snow clearing violations should be reported to the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.

Trash Collection

The collection of trash and recycling by Paine’s Inc. is expected to remain on schedule. Paine’s said they will notify customers if anything changes and provided the following recommendations:

• Place barrels about 4 feet back from the curb so they are not in the way of snow clean up
• Pick up times WILL CHANGE. Have barrels at the curb by 6 a.m. Trucks will not be able to make multiple passes during winter weather events.
• Tell a neighbor. Help a neighbor.

Hydrants

Residents are also asked to help out the West Hartford Fire Department and keep the community safe by shoveling the area around fire hydrants.

Check back regularly with We-Ha.com for any updates and storm-related news.

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