Council Adopts Legislation Implementing Stiffer Penalties for Failure to Notice Road Closures
On Tuesday, September 22, the Common Council adopted file #260556 – a substitute ordinance relating to the notification to be provided for the closure of public rights-of-way and increasing fines if constituents are not properly notified. The ordinance, authored by Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa, increases the penalty for failure to notify residents of work closing a public right-of-way from the general penalty of between $25 and $250 to a fine between $1,000 and $5,000 daily. It also requires permit holders to erect digital signage for certain road closures, and requires public utilities to submit annual plans to the Department of Public Works.
“Several times this summer, residents in the 8th Aldermanic District were shocked and upset to find that their home, business, or nearby travel route was disrupted by street closures that had not been properly noticed,” said Alderperson Zamarripa. “As I investigated, I was surprised to learn the fines for failure to notify are a mere pittance for giants like utility companies and others doing this work. While these utility projects are needed, so is proper and consistent community notice. My hope is that these stronger penalties, and requirements to submit a work schedule, will help the city and residents be better prepared when street closures occur.”
Since its adoption by the Common Council, file #260556 has been signed by Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “Since its inception, the Mayor has been in support of this file, and I appreciate him signing it into law swiftly,” Ald. Zamarripa added.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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