New Milford's Mayor is answering questions about free sand that used to be available to residents in the winter at the Public Works Department.  David Gronbach says Public Works decided this witner to discontinue the free sand pile, because $12,000 to $20,000 worth of sand was being lost. 

Public Works officials described the situation to him.  They said that sand was made available on an honor system in recognition that sidewalks need to be maintained by residents and business owners.  But the department says in recent years, use of the sand was put toward private property not benefitting the public at large.  Some people were reportedly seen loading pick up trucks with the sand. 

Gronbach says people can request a 70-pound bag from Public Works, and it will be provided to them.  He called it a reasonable compromise.