Lewis County adopts local laws opening short stretches of county roads to ATVs amid resident safety concerns

The Lewis County Board of Legislators adopted four local laws and approved adding short segments of road and trail to the county ATV/Off‑Highway Vehicle (OHV) system after a public hearing that drew residents’ safety concerns.

At the May public hearing, Geraldine Sondland, a Glenfield resident, told the board she has lived on Glendale Road since 1960 and opposed opening more roads to all‑terrain vehicles. “If voted in, it certainly begs the question of meeting vehicle traffic law 2,405 of New York,” Sondland said, and described an incident in which an ATV allegedly missed the corner of her house, damaged a fence and left the scene.

The board approved resolutions that the record identifies as adopting local law numbers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of 2025 and separately adding 3.2 miles and 678 feet to the Lewis County trail system. The measures include: adding segments to connect existing OHV trails (including routes described in the hearing as connecting Glendale Road, Main/Blue Street in Martinsburg, and school/trail connectors) and authorizing ATV/UTV operation on the designated short stretches of county roads.

Frank Robbins, a West Martinsburg resident of 46 years, said his road is closed but sees high ATV traffic on weekends and urged caution about opening additional roads, saying past events produced “a disaster” with speeding and “drag racing.” Mike Levicker, president of the Black River Valley 4 Wheeler Club, told the board his club secured small grants for signage and said the club would assist with signage and safety training if roads were opened.

Board members discussed insurance and enforcement. A board member asked the county’s insurer about coverage; staff reported the insurer was aware of ATV activity and was comfortable with opening roads but “does not have an appetite for event‑type activities.” Legislators also asked that maps showing the exact road segments be attached to future resolutions; staff agreed to include maps going forward.

When adopting one of the local laws, a legislator asked that the director of Outdoor Services report back in 12 months with data on vehicle violations, landowner complaints and incidents along the newly opened stretches so the board can revisit the decision. Jackie, identified in the meeting as the director of Outdoor Services, indicated she was willing to provide that report.

The board recorded roll‑call votes on the local laws; most legislators voted in favor and the measures carried. Individual “no” votes were recorded in the roll calls (for example, one legislator voted no on resolution 100). The transcript does not show any motion to rescind or postpone the adoptions.

The public comments and board discussion made clear the principal points of contention: resident concerns about safety and enforcement, questions about road damage and who pays repairs, and the desire of ATV clubs to support signage and training. The board’s vote implements the local laws as stated in the meeting packet and directed staff to provide maps and a one‑year operational review.

ACTIONS: The transcript and meeting packet record six related formal actions: (a) adoption of local law number 1‑2025; (b) adoption of local law number 2‑2025 (with a directive for a 12‑month incident report); (c) adoption of local law number 3‑2025; (d) adoption of local law number 4‑2025; (e) resolution to add 3.2 miles to the Lewis County trail system; and (f) resolution to add 678 feet to the trail system. Each action passed by the board during roll calls recorded in the meeting.

Ending: The board left the public hearing record open briefly before moving on to other business and later closed the hearing after votes. Several residents asked the board to prioritize enforcement and communication with landowners; the board agreed to provide maps with future agenda materials and to receive a follow‑up report on incidents within 12 months.