Council member proposes gating vehicle access at back of Lake Horicon; resident objects

Councilman Jeff Emmons described a proposal at the March 6 meeting to restrict vehicle access to the back of Lake Horicon as part of a plan to establish a recreational area with a walking path and fitness stations.

Emmons said the gate would be located roughly 100 feet south of the spillway with four-foot pedestrian access on either side. He told the council Public Works staff could install a new boat ramp on the first beach and said emergency responders would retain access. Emmons said the plan is aimed in part at addressing resident concerns raised during his campaign about people from outside the borough frequenting the back of the lake.

Council members asked questions about preserving picnic and kayak access and how children would safely use the area. Council President Steven Oglesby raised policing concerns, noting that "a few years back there was a website that was listing the back of the lake as a 'hook-up' spot," and asked how police would continue to patrol the area.

During public comment, Bruce Margeson of 5 Geneva Road directly objected to restricting vehicle access, saying, "blocking the back of the lake is a horrible idea," and noting that many users — including people who cannot easily walk long distances — rely on vehicle access to reach benches, the boat ramp and observation areas. Council President Oglesby responded that the plan under discussion would preserve pedestrian access while limiting vehicle entry.

Mayor Harry Robbins asked the governing body to consider the proposal further; no vote or formal directive was recorded in the minutes.