ATVs And The Quality Of Life

To the Editor:

In response to John Cascone Jr’s letter to the editor dated August 27, please allow me to comment.

Mr Cascone states that it is better that his son ride an ATV than be involved with drugs…a resounding Yes to the drug issue. If a teenager finds that a particular sport or hobby will ward off the drug temptation, I am in full agreement.

What Mr Cascone fails to understand is that while he has permission from a private property owner to ride ATVs on his or her parcel of land, it is Against The Law to operate these vehicles on public roadways. What does that teach his son?…that it is not acceptable to use drugs (against the law); however, it is perfectly fine to break the law by riding his ATV on town roads! If this is the sport they wish to engage in, I suggest the family invest in a trailer for their auto, transport the ATVs to the designated property, and enjoy their ride. It is not OK to use town roadways to reach their riding destination.

In our neighborhood, we are inundated with ATVs and dirt bikes. The sudden blast of horrendous noise emitted by these vehicles as they pass by is painful to the ears, causes undo stress, and presents a profound quality of life issue. Much has been written as of late pertaining to loud noise levels, and I am in sympathy with those residents living along “the few blocks” of town roads that Mr Cascone and his son travel to access the privately owned property where they ride.

Whatever happened to bicycles, baseball, basketball, soccer, etc as recreational activities for our youth? Let’s teach our children that excessive loud noise levels are not only quality of life issues, but health ones as well.

The Town of Newtown should and must adopt a noise ordinance law and our fine police department must be permitted to enforce that law. After all, our officers are here for all Newtown residents.

Jean Sander

211 Walnut Tree Hill Road                                   September 2, 2004