I could hardly believe what my eyes were reading when I picked up the Sept. 12 Press Star and read that the city of New London is considering opening all city streets to recreational and utility vehicles that are normally used for off-road travel.
I believe that is a sign of the desperation of this floundering city – that they will grasp at anything to keep this city afloat. How sad and how wrong.
As a taxpaying resident, I did not purchase my house to live on a ATV trail. And I don’t think any other city resident has either.
I don’t care what kind of supposed signage is implemented, it won’t be followed.
East Beacon Avenue, especially east of Mill Street, is a race track right now. Very few people adhere to the 25 mph limit.
And I can assure you, recreational vehicles will not either.
Beacon Avenue will be a direct access to the Wolf River and continual activity.
I believe most people want the privacy and the sanctity of being in their own homes without the intrusion of racing vehicles going by. As a property taxpayer, that also pays a wheel tax, I ask you what accountability will the owners of these types of vehicles have? Because certainly, there will be added maintenance, destruction, other expenses involved.
And they’re not required to have insurance?
So what happens when one of them damages property, or worse yet, hits a vehicle?
I feel it is dead wrong to think I should have to tolerate the noise and traffic of recreational vehicles.
Those vehicles would be racing by within 40 feet of my home. And what would their hours of operation be? And who is going to “police” the age of the drivers?
There will not be that much added economy when one considers the many phone calls the Police Deptment will be receiving and have to follow up on.
Have some consideration for your citizens. Those types of vehicles belong on trails – not in my front yard.
Julie Blohm
New London