Roxbury To Let State Lead Legislation ATV Road Permits - Concerned Residents Speak Out

By Mary A. Crisafulli

ROXBURY - The 607 Riders approached the Roxbury Town Council asking they make a decision on permitting ATVs to drive on town roads at the April 14 meeting. The board unanimously decided to wait for more information from New York State.

"I don't think it's worth it for the town to risk being named in a lawsuit," said Supervisor Allen Hinkley. He understands the State is working on developing a protocol for ATV riders wishing to register for road use.

Almost two years ago the 607 Riders approached the board requesting a local law be passed to permit ATVs on roadways. The group is seeking the law in several surrounding towns to connect and develop a trail system. Stamford and Kortright have both passed local laws. The club has taken responsibility for issuing permits to applicants with insurance and a valid driver's license for towns with laws. State law permits municipalities to pass local legislation permitting ATV use on its controlled roadways.

After many discussions with the town attorney, the council remains confused as to the clarity of how such legislation could be passed and worries about liability. The town had received mixed comments from residents both in favor and against a potential law.

In conclusion, Councilmember Kenneth Davie noted that the request is not necessary here as people already ride on the roads, including himself, and do not get in trouble. Instead, all a local law would do, said Davie, is put the town in jeopardy. He added that northern Pennsylvania has 100s of miles of ATV trailways, which, if that were here, the law would make more sense. "I wish we had a trail system like that here, but as of right now we don't," Davie concluded.

For more information on State legislation regarding ATVs visit dmv.ny.gov/more-info/atvs-information-for-owners-and-operators. For more information on 607 Riders and passed local laws visit 607riders.com.

Resident Complaints

Ed Cuprys confronted the board to discuss an ongoing personal issue. He was mainly concerned with Hinkley's behavior during a phone call about the matter. Cuprys accuses a 71-year-old woman named Deloris of stalking and harassing him at his apartment complex. He further accuses Constable Steve Williamson of employing Deloris to gather information about him. Cuprys said he had sought help from State and County police with no resolution. On Jan. 16, Cuprys claims to have contacted Hinkley about the issue, where he was met with aggression. "Never in my life at 65 years old have I been f-bombed to my face and called a fing liar," said Cuprys. Three months later, Hinkley called to apologize. "If you were man enough you would have called earlier," Cuprys said, "And you are the town supervisor. Be a man, what is wrong with you."

"I personally apologize if I was out of line," said Hinkley. He later explained to Cuprys that he spoke to Williamson about the accusations and State police. Hinkley was unable to confirm any harassment.

Councilmember Lisa Ciaravino volunteered to review the phone records of the accused harasser.

The town will assist with anything we can find that is credible, Hinkley concluded.

In another discussion, a long-time resident raised concerns about the recently increased transfer station fees.

The town board increased the transfer station tag price to $25 for residential and $250 for commercial to bring fees in line with going rates and uplift the station's budget.

The resident requested that taxpayers receive a free transfer station ticket when paying their taxes. He noted that the stations were first implemented to correct issues with burn barrels and backyard dumping. "You can't please everyone, but you can sure piss them all off," he said, adding that if a pole were taken, likely most people would be unhappy with the fee structure.

Another individual asked how the permits are being enforced. She noted after using the transfer station several times, "no one is checking tickets."

The council and other town officials assured the public that the transfer station operator is regulating entry by verifying license plates as they come in.

A public hearing regarding funding for the Denver Wastewater Project is scheduled Monday, May 12, at 6 p.m. before the regular meeting. Mike Harrington is expected to provide a brief presentation on the project.