New Baltimore Police Advise Residents of New Winter Parking Guidelines

Metro Detroiters may not be looking forward to a winter wonderland, but local police have rules in place to make snow cleanup less painful this year.

The longstanding New Baltimore parking ordinance that required cars to be off neighborhood streets and other public roads outside the downtown business section late at night from November to March—regardless of snowfall—has been revised.

The new ordinance states that no one can park on streets outside the downtown business district from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. when there is snow or ice on the ground. This will allow more flexibility for residents, especially those with multiple vehicles or visitors, and free up police officers for more pressing runs, Chief Tim Wiley said Thursday.

"My first year as chief was a nightmare with the old ordinance," Wiley said, noting that officers had to enforce the old winter parking law by issuing tickets even when snow wasn't on the ground.

Mayor Larry Smith agreed.

"I think that the way it was in the past, it was just not friendly for our citizens," Smith said.

City council approved the winter parking ordinance, which is now in effect, last spring.

City Can Call Snow Emergencies

In the event of a heavy snowfall or ice storm, Wiley, Smith or Department of Public Works Superintendent Tom Gunst can declare a snow emergency. City Clerk Marcia Shinska will be notified of the alert and residents will learn of it through the city's website.

Under the snow emergency, parking on all streets, including the historic downtown, will be prohibited. Motorists will have one hour to remove their cars before police have the right to issue a ticket, with a maximum fee of $50, and impound the vehicle. Wiley said that enforcement will take place as a last resort if cars are not moved within reason and snowplows cannot get on streets.

The snow emergency will end when the snowplows are done or 36 hours after the weather conditions that prompted the alert began. It may also be extended if city officials deem that necessary.

Gunst also reminds residents not to shovel snow into the street.