ATV Ordinance passes in Chapman Township
By Christopher Miller
NORTH BEND, PA – In an almost 90 minute hearing Tuesday night, Chapman Township Supervisors passed an ordinance “designating certain township roads as roads to be shared by all terrain vehicles and vehicular traffic.” Supervisor Linda Kelley voted no, yes votes came from Charlie Rossell and Greg Werts.
More than 60 people came out and fewer than two dozen made their arguments known either for or against the proposed ordinance.
Of those who spoke, about 25% were in favor of ATV use on select township roads. “Until we get businesses in and property values back up we will be losing so we need something to entice people to come here, we need tourism,” said Butch Knauff.
Kari Kepler, another in favor of ATV use, cited a pilot program currently underway in Potter and Tioga Counties. “There all of these small towns connected up there by a trail, and not all of them have their own police, so DCNR and state police have been enforcing the rules and keeping track of complaints, emergencies…Penn State is studying the economic impact of businesses along this route and so far they are reporting an increase in income and sales.”
Bobby Maguire recalled other opportunities that arose in the past that were also scrutinized at first. “Other opportunities have been invested in over time – Hang Gliding, Hyner Challenge, other recreation and tourism opportunities, the best opportunity for western Clinton County is tourism, the economic vitality of this community is important…those in the ATV world have to invest a lot of time in money in their hobby from buying a truck, trailer, and most times not just one but a couple ATVs and side-by-sides, they pay taxes which comes back into the communities, uniforms, gas, all taxed and all benefit for the community.”
Of those who spoke, there was an overwhelming number of people not in favor of the proposed ordinance.
A main concern was the past and current condition of roads, especially Summerson Mountain Road.
“Summerson is a treacherous road, there are ditches washed out, gravel on the roads, low shoulders, steep banks without guide rails, the road is overall bad any time of year and ATVs should not be driven on these roads,” said resident Mary Jo Gentzyel.
Another concern of a few were the surveys that went out to resident taxpayers. “Only property owners were surveyed, not all residents of Chapman Township,” Gentzyel said. As a rebuttal, Township Secretary Elizabeth Whitty came forward with an explanation as to why not everybody in the township received a survey by mail.
“We have no access to addresses for property renters; I can go to the county tax office and get a listing of addresses of tax-paying residents…this survey is just a sample of what the community thinks and there were some fraudulent surveys sent back to my office, I know this because I hand-numbered these as they went out and I received multiple surveys back of the same number,” said the township secretary..
General safety for those nearby and using the road and trails was addressed at the meeting.
“Universally no one wants anyone to be injured or hurt out there, this is a major concern,” said part-time resident Virginia Hoffman. “Youngwomans Creek Road is not good, treacherous, poor visibility on S turns, people drive in the middle of the road as it is.”
The safety of children along streets in the township was also a major concern. “Anytime during the summer you have kids riding bikes, going to friends houses, walking to summer programs at the park, so we need safety,” said a North Maple Avenue resident.
For others opposed to ATV use on township roads, enforcement is a cause for concern.
“The police do not stop illegal activity in the area now, who are we to go report this to and have something done about it,” questioned Todd Donnelly.
“Law enforcement is effectively non-existent for non-emergency situations as it is,” said Hoffman. “DCNR might monitor their own roads and trails, but not township roads.”
Others were concerned about losing the peace and quiet they have grown to love and enjoy around the area. “I left Philly to come here 30 years ago and I had to learn how to sleep without hearing sirens, fire, police, gunfire, like back in Philly – I hear the stream now and it’s peaceful,” said a resident.
After the vote had passed, a resolution was made to remove Gum Alley and Hyner River Roads from those that ATVS could freely travel on in the future.
Township Supervisors also made a motion to appoint a 5-person committee to evaluate roads and trails. A letter will be drafted to gauge public interest in the matter. “If anyone here is interested now send us a letter stating your interest along with your contact information,” said a township supervisor.
