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Resident urges Selectboard not to open roads to ATVs; board outlines ordinance timeline
Summary
Nathan, a McCrillis Corner Road resident, told the Wilton Selectboard he opposes expanded ATV access on town roads, citing safety, trespass and road damage. The board said legal counsel will draft an ordinance and noted the selectboard (per Title 30-A) governs motor-vehicle rules while seeking public input.
Nathan, a resident of McCrillis Corner Road, told the Wilton Selectboard during public comment that he opposes expanding ATV access on town roads, saying it would make roads "less safe" and increase trespass onto private property. "I can't support bringing ATVs onto the roads," he said, noting many ATVs are now "bigger and louder and more destructive."
The board discussed next steps. Members reiterated that there is currently no ATV ordinance in place and that legal counsel will prepare a draft ordinance for the selectboard to consider. A board member summarized counsel’s guidance that, under Title 30‑A, the selectboard has statutory authority over motor vehicles on town roads and therefore will set the rules for ATVs. The board said it expects to solicit public input before adopting substantive changes and indicated changes that affect rights-of-way or add/subtract access could be referred for wider voter input at a higher-turnout election (for example a November or June election).
Board members and staff noted related timing questions: there is no ordinance to modify at the upcoming town meeting, so any changes would follow receipt of the draft from counsel. The selectboard said it will continue to seek public comment and provide a timeframe once counsel’s draft is available.
