ATV measure will get more review before introduction

Ben Meritt

HAMMONTON -- A municipal ordinance that would regulate the use of all-terrain and off-road vehicles will undergo more scrutiny before it is formally presented to Town Council later this year.

The council's Law and Order Committee -- which includes Mayor John DiDonato, Councilman Ed Wuillermin and Councilwoman Tracy Petrongolo -- will review the measure, solicitor Brian Howell said.

The review process may include another public forum on the issue, similar to one held earlier this month.

The Police Department and municipal prosecutor also will be able to provide input.

The ordinance would limit ATV use to properties that are at least two acres. It also would establish a maximum number of riders and would require minimum buffers to help limit the noise that could be heard on neighboring properties.

"We've gotten a number of complaints about the noise, the all-day operation, the dust and the proximity to the property line," Howell said.

The review likely will delay introduction of the ordinance to Town Council's September meeting, Howell said. That meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Town Hall.

Several other communities are grappling with the issue of ATVs. Riders are upset about the lack of dedicated spaces for them to use their vehicles.

Folsom is scheduled to approve an ATV ordinance next month, while Buena Vista Township is looking for state legislation to be enacted to establish guidelines on their use.

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Source: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20090819/HAMMONTON01/908190310

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