Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Bump-outs The new extended sidewalks that stick out into the street at some points along Pennsylvania Avenue have Warren officials wondering how to plow snow this winter.

The new sidewalks that are a result of the Warren Downtown Revitalization do not simply line the streets in straight lines. There are bump-outs that jut into the streets at several locations. Between the bumps are parking spaces. When it comes time to clear snow and ice off the street and out of the parking areas, City of Warren crews won’t be able to make a direct pass or two along the road and clear the streets. “We’re certainly aware it’s going to be an issue,” Public Works Director Mike Holtz said. A plan of attack has not been formulated, but officials are working on it. “There are always ways of skinning the cat,” he said. “We’re not sure which one we’ll use.” The decision will involve choices on how to plow as well as what equipment to do it with. Holtz said the city could use pick-up trucks or skid-steers as alternatives to the larger plow trucks, or could contract some plowing work out.