"R" a little late with this reply. Because the driveways are shared it hard to tell exactly where these people live. Somewhere in the range #170-172. I'm sure not going to stand there and stare. The activity has calmed down recently and one of the biggest problems (when it comes to loud/racing automobiles and I believe drug dealing) moved off the street about the 1st of September. This person resided in #192. ATV and speeding bikes do remain a problem. A column will come out in the next day or two in the New Haven Register which brings this whole issue to light - as if it hasn't been to us residents! Although I have ZERO problem with our police, they need to stand up and pursue anyone they see speeding and driving recklessly on ATVs and bikes. A "NO PURSUIT" policy is not the way to go.

Tired of this issue? Then show your support this Tuesday 11/13 @ 6 p.m., all should attend, no excuses! If not you, and us, then who? Tell everyone you know and bring them along if needed--room should be packed, this may be our only chance for this type of City-wide meeting. Please distribute widely.

via Alderman Justin Elicker:

"There will be a public hearing on the dirt bike ATV issue Tuesday, 11/13 at 6pm in Board of Aldermen Chambers at City Hall. It's an opportunity for people to express their concerns about the dirt bike issue and for the City to talk about what we plan on doing. Could you all help get the word out?"

This issue was recategorized from Other to Policing Issue.

Mr. Rob Smuts,

With all due respect, though I understand you are seeking to streamline the processes for the "response" side of these issues, this is NOT solely a Policing issue. Your office, the administrative branch of our local government, is sending your police force up a creek without a paddle.

You are not giving them the legislative tools to properly deal with this issue. You ask them not to chase (I, as many of us are OK with that btw--less risk for those involved and less liability for the City) but are also sitting idle thinking that simply saying "we cannot chase" exonerates you from solving this issue. As a young tax-payer, long time resident and product of New Haven public schools, I am here to tell you that it does not. It is passing the buck sir, and may I remind you; this is not a hockey city.

Give your PD the legislative tools to be able to deal with this vital quality of life issue properly. The ball is in your boss's court.

Sick and tired of the unregistered, uninsured, often unlicensed, vroomm-vroomm-vrooomm? Then sign the petition! http://www.change.org/petitions/state-of-connecticut-general-assembly-new-haven-office-of-the-mayor-stop-the-use-of-illegally-operated-vehicles-on-new-haven-streets-and-parks

Fairhavener I will sign the petition for the good of everybody(?), but I strongly disagree with the "NO CHASE" policy. I was vascilating on the issue (ala Mr. Mittens), but after stopping and speaking to several New Haven police officers in the last few days, it becomes obvious "NO CHASE" is not favored by the rank & file. Vehicle pursuits should be okay when conditions permit.

I will be closing dirt bike/ATV complaints that pre-date the conclusion of the police undercover operation (see www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/9_arrested_in_dirt_bike_sting/). I do not expect the dirt bike/ATV issue to be completely solved, but it will be helpful to policing efforts to distinguish new reports from those before this recent operation.

Please open up new SCF issues as dirt bike/ATV issues re-occur.

- Rob Smuts, Chief Administrative Officer