The Town of Sevastopol Board discussed the ATV/UTV access request on Monday, and based on the board’s feedback, voted against allowing access. Given that sentiment, the chairman felt there was no need to bring it up for a vote now or in the future.
After the public hearing held on December 7th, which drew a crowd of around 30 people, to discuss the proposed operation of ATVs/UTVs on town roads, the board voted 4 to 1 against the request on Monday night.
Prior to the ATV/UTV access request, the Town of Sevastopol had already received complaints from residents about safety issues with vehicles parked in front of houses in close proximity for off-road vehicles to pass by. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the noise generated by all-terrain vehicles being too loud and causing disturbance to residents.
Those in favor of the request stated in the public hearing expressed that the ATV/UTV routes would be used “to visit family, friends and local businesses,” which would be illegal under state law, as the WDNR states that any usage “to ride from a dwelling to the nearest trail or route is not permitted.”
WDNR ATV Regulations 2021, page 35:
There is no residential access allowance that permits you to ride on a roadway from a dwelling to the nearest trail or route. You will need to haul your machine to the nearest legal access point.For a complete list of roadways designated as ATV routes, contact the local township office and/or County Highway Department.
WDNR ATV Regulations 2021
Prior to the ATV/UTV access request, the Town of Sevastopol had already received complaints from residents about safety issues with vehicles parked in front of houses in close proximity for off-road vehicles to pass by. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the noise generated by all-terrain vehicles being too loud and causing disturbance to residents.
The issue originated in August of this year with the town’s Park and Recreation Committee, spearheaded by resident Tamara Jilot who said they’d like to open some town roads – and in the future, county roads – to access businesses. The committee sent the request to the Sevastopol Town Board which took it up during a meeting on October 18th during which October 18th meeting, during which Thad Ash, Door County Highway Department commissioner, was invited to attend the meeting to provide input, according to the meeting minutes.
During the public hearing held at town hall on December 7th, the six people who spoke in favor of the request had claims that it was a safe mode of transportation, was good for business and tourism, and would be used to visit family, friends and local businesses. The five who spoke against the concept included members of Friends of North Duluth who successfully lobbied against opening County Road C and North Duluth Avenue to ATV/UTV use–a route which would have connected Sturgeon Bay and Nasewaupee and put both pedestrians and motorists in danger. Their concerns were of safety and noise issues.
The Friends of North Duluth would like to thank the Town of Sevastopol Board for their commitment to public safety and the preservation of the natural beauty of our county.
Sources: Door County Pulse
