EAST AMWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — East Amwell Township officials have issued clarification regarding mailbox damage reported after the snowstorm that struck the area about two weeks ago, addressing ongoing questions from residents about responsibility and repairs.
Township officials said that during heavy snowfalls, mailboxes are sometimes dislodged from their posts by the force of snow pushed by plow blades. This, they said, accounts for most of the damage reported following major storms. In rarer cases, a snowplow truck may directly strike a mailbox.
Under the township’s long-standing policy, East Amwell will repair or replace mailboxes only when damage is confirmed to have resulted from direct contact with a township plow truck.
“If you discover your mailbox has been damaged following a storm and suspect one of our plows was involved, please contact the municipal building with your address, and a representative will assess the situation,” Mayor Michael Dendis said.
Officials noted that responsibility for mailbox damage depends on the roadway involved. Residents who live along county roads are advised to contact county officials, while those on state highways should direct inquiries to the state.
Township leaders also emphasized that during significant snow events, plow operators have limited ability to prevent mailbox damage caused solely by the volume and force of snow being moved from roadways.
“We also wish to remind residents that during significant snowfalls, our operators have limited ability to prevent mailbox damage caused by the sheer force of snow,” Dendis said. “We hope this clarifies the township’s policy.”
