Snow Piled High in Punxsutawney

PUNXSUTAWNEY---Several feet of snow still line the streets of downtown Punxsutawney, and residents say something needs to be done. Downtown shop owners said they’re willing to get shovels and help road crews load up the snow to be hauled away, but so far they’ve had no help digging out. “Years ago the borough used to always take care of removing the snow,” said Ron Voris, an employee at Paul Beatty Jewelers downtown, “And in other towns like Sykesville and Brookville they do a wonderful job. If a little town like Sykesville can clean up their downtown, it’s a shame that we can’t do the same thing.” Voris said he’s tired of shoveling the sidewalks, just to see the snow piles fall right back down again. “It’s really been an inconvenience for all of us downtown. Customers can’t get into our stores. We try and keep it piled up, but there’s nowhere to pile it anymore, Voris said.” But merchants aren’t just worried about losing business, they’re also concerned for their customers’ safety. “Especially on Main St., to park on the main street and have the cars coming by, you can’t get in and out. And it’s really a scary thought to park so far away from the meter and onto the road,” said Stacy Skarvek, who works at Chicks from the Sticks antique store. They’re especially worried about elderly pedestrians in the slick conditions. “I’ve watched a couple of people, especially the elderly, really struggle. It’s been very difficult, and they have nowhere to get in and out,” said Jamie Grisso of Hair Trends Salon. Punxsutawney officials said an executive session is scheduled for next week and that the issue will probably be discussed at that meeting, but with more snow expected next week, residents say something needs to be done right away.