By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS ó Members of the Landis Board of Alderman are expected to discuss a possible ordinance tonight that would place restrictions on dirt bikes or all-terrain vehicles.
The public hearing will be held during the 7 p.m. meeting. Residents are invited to voice their opinions or concerns about this issue.
The issue came to light in May when Landis resident Dale Hartsell asked the board to address problems that have arisen from bikers and ATVs using the roadway and property near his home.
The board will discuss establishing an ordinance and what stipulations will be placed on riders. There is currently no ordinance in place. Alderman James Furr presented this proposal to the board in June.
The property Hartsell referred to is behind his Garden Street home, on a lot and on the road that runs between North Zion and Garden streets. Two years ago, the town board closed this lot.
Hartsell said the four-wheelers and dirt bikes send up a cloud of dirt and are always in the area.
Under the proposal, a motorized dirt bike or ATV will not be allowed on lots of less than two acres.
Also, a riding area can be no closer than 100 feet from a lot line or 50 feet if a fence, which must be approved by the town, has been erected along the lot line by the lot owner.
In addition, dust and noise-control measures are to be maintained by the property owner. Dust control measures can include planting a 12-foot tree or a “board-on-board” style fence. If an unvegetated riding area is established, it has to be watered down before and after use to limit dust.
Mufflers are not to be altered in order to create increased motor noise.
Riders must also abide by specified riding times (9 a.m.-7 p.m. through the week and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on weekends.)
Any motorized dirt bike or ATV used by the town to conduct business or for lot maintenance is permitted.