Resident complaints about unlicensed mini-bikes prompt council to ask police for 'zero tolerance' enforcement

At the March 10 meeting a resident raised safety concerns about people operating unlicensed motorized mini-bikes and modified lawn tractors on public roads in a neighborhood, prompting the public-safety committee to request stepped-up enforcement.

Richard Harrington, a neighborhood resident, told the committee that late-afternoon and evening activity by people riding unlicensed small motor vehicles presents a hazard to residents and drivers. The committee asked Deputy Chief Forester to take a “zero tolerance” approach during the summer and to, when officers are available, stop and cite operators and tow unregistered vehicles being used on the roadway.

Council discussion also included broader public-safety context. One council member said many crimes in recent reports were targeted incidents (for example, drug-dealer-on-drug-dealer violence) rather than random crimes against residents, and urged support for police, fire and EMS staff. Another member expressed concern that upcoming housing projects could increase call volumes for police, fire and EMS and asked whether the Gateway Project would draw residents from outside the area.

Fire department updates reported progress on Station 5 renovations and the new second ambulance. The battalion chief said Station 5 renovations are nearly complete and staff expect to reoccupy the station in the coming weeks; the second ambulance is operating and has reduced calls being sent to neighboring districts. The department said they will monitor EMS revenue as the second ambulance completes its first year of service.

Provenance: Public-safety committee report and resident comment.