By Teri Stiles
Staff Writer
Brandon Twp – On Oct. 8 more than 80 residents objected to the township proposed Off Road Vehicle ordinance, at the Public Hearing presented by the board.
The ordinance adoption consideration is scheduled to be discussed and voted on at the next regular board meeting on Oct. 20.
In a three year effort to resolve noise annoyance among neighbors, the township board proposed an off road vehicle ordinance, which would include restrictive riding times, property line limitations, denial of riding on vacant property, and prohibitions on the number of people allowed to ride at a time. The ordinance does not, however, target snowmobiles.
The board called the hearing to gain input from residents on whether the proposed ordinance will fit the personality of the community.
In response, angered residents threatened lawsuits, election recalls, and intentional law breaking, should the ordinance pass as it stands.
Many residents who spoke admitted they had not attended previous meetings on the ordinance, yet questioned why the issue has been dragged out for more than two years.
‘I’m afraid you are going to keep going until you finally get your way,? said Mark Nelson, Brandon resident.
An uproar of applause broke out as residents such as Ed Stanzzyn said he does not own an ORV and doesn’t ride, but he is opposed to additional restrictions imposed by local government.
Newcomer Craig Szabo appealed to good-neighbor accountability by stating ‘anyone who is responsible knows not to ride after 10:00 at night.?
Other protesters invited those who would prefer a more serene environment to move back to the urban life of condominiums, where dirt bikes are not allowed.
While the majority of the crowded room voiced dissent to the ordinance, six residents were in favor of the proposal.
Long time resident, Lois Robbins objected to being told to ‘move out? of the natural area in which she lives, but stated perhaps the ordinance would need more adjustments in order to make it fit the community.
For more than two hours the board listened to accusations of wasting tax payers? dollars and forcefully enacting unwanted ordinances. Lapp ended the hearing after the last resident spoke.
‘We are elected officials,? said Lapp. ‘We are not here to impose our will on you but are here to get your input.?
‘We’ve had complaints from the community and we are here to address those complaints.?
Lapp concluded by stating the board called the hearing to gain input on what the community wants, that the community provided that goal and as elected officials the board will base their decision on what the community has said.
‘Those who show up effect change,? said Lapp.
‘I was impressed with several people who spoke and now the board will discuss this.? Lapp ended.
The board is scheduled to review a decision on the ordinance at the regularly scheduled board meeting on Oct. 20.