^ That's unbelievable. New Haven has ownership/responsibility of this land, even though most of it is in East Haven. It's open space that's supposed to be protected. *sigh*

the NH police have a do not chase policy for atvs and dirt bikes, they cannot DO anything.

In this case, no "chasing" is needed! It's a blatant disregard for the law and the homeowner should be visited by police and/or parks dept

STILL HAPPENING! They regularly go into the Bird Sanctuary at will. It's blatant. WHERE IS THE PARKS DEPARTMENT? WHERE ARE THE POLICE? They roar onto streets when they enter/exit the Woods also, so not only are they ripping up Bishop Woods but are also a safety and traffic hazard.

I guess the police "sting" missed this amazingly obvious access point. Each day, more vehicles find their way to this point, speeding all the way to/from and ripping up open space. What will it take to stop this activity?

Unfortunately riding a dirt bike or ATV is not a "throw away the key" crime.They are misdemeanor and motor vehicle infraction violations. The NHPD does the best it can with what it has to work with..Our "Bike Life Operation" will eventually get to all illegal riders in the city including the "Bird Sanctuary". we have visited this area time and time again , we have made arrests when warranted time and time again,, we have seized dirt bikes time and time again.its a revolving door because we couldn't keep riders from getting their bikes and ATVs back..We have just developed a tool supported by the courts that is called "In-Rem" where we will be able to hold these dirt bikes and ATVs for a long period of time and in some cases keep them.Let the process work , I wish I can snap my finger and make it go away but it doesn't work like that..You will see progress.This is only the beginning.........

Sgt. Anastasio thank you for your response. The NHPD approaches the problem as illegal riding and as a disturbance. Do you think any one at the Elm City Parks Conservancy would know of any other laws violated that have to do with conservation of land and/or wildlife. Perhaps there are some serious fines attached? I see they have an email address listed at elmcityparksconservancy@gmail.com

I spoke with someone at the elm city parks conservancy, and she suggested that I find out when the management team (LCI, police, parks, and other assorted departments) meets in our area and attend to find what more can be done specifically concerning Bishop Woods.

When i was young the police would threaten the kids with a "harassing the wild life" charge that allegedly went with a several thousand dollar fine. I'm not sure if that was even a real charge but it kept the kids from riding bicycles in the swamp near the birds in Madison.

For crimes committed in the park itself : 23-4-2(e)- use of ATV in unauthorized area ( 75.00) fine.
23-4-1(b)(1) - vandalism (75.00) fine
14-387(5) - operating ATV on municipality controlled land
without written permission. (117.00) fine

53a-109 - Criminal Trespass 3rd degree (misdemeanor)

And then there is a host of Motor vehicle charges: Hope this helps

There is a management team meeting on July 9th at 7pm at the Ross-Woodward School. I encourage you and your neighbors to attend this very informative meeting and speak about your issues/concerns. Alderwoman Barbara Constantinople is aware of the ATV's and is looking to help stop this as well.

One small clarification, if I may: the Bird Sanctuary isn't a "park". It is open space owned by New Haven and much of its care *should* come under the Parks Dept but it isn't a "park". That term makes it seem like people can do what they want in there to entertain themselves and they can't. It's illegal to do anything but walk in there.

This issue was recategorized from Parks Request to Policing Issue.

Any progress here?

What's the current status of this??

Hm....I can hear the crickets chirping. I guess no news on this issue.

bump! to see if any developments here

bumpity bump

*sigh*

Did you try calling the non-emergency line? Could youtake a photo of the illegal entry ramp and post it here? I'm just trying to think of things. It's terrible we don't police anything in this city.

^ thanks for the comment, Bill. Yes....police know about this and have seen photos and/or the access point itself "live".

Many thanks again.

I just called the non-emergency number about 8-10 quads and dirt bikes riding up Eastern St and turning onto Hemingway, and then a few minutes later I called to say 3 of them came back to Eastern St and made a quick ride on Bella Vista property and then did wheelies on Eastern toward Route 80. The dispatchers seemed unconcerned. I don't expect police to rush to this area, chasing them as it is dangerous for all. But I would hope that the informattion I gave the NHPD will be radioed to officers in the area so they can be on the lookout and maybe ID these reckless drivers and do warrants for their arrests. Someone is going to get killed, and most likely it will be someone who veers off the road to avoid these reckless drivers in his or her path.
By the time I reached for my phone and entered the password so I could take photos the riders were long gone.

bump......still happening!

Still occurring. Still no police response.

If you know where dirt bikes, quads and ATVs are garaged, report it to the New Haven Police Criminal Intel Unit. The officer in charge is:

Sergeant Karl Jacobson
New Haven Police Department
Criminal Intel Unit/Narcotics
One Union Ave, New Haven CT
phone: (203) 946-6098
Fax: (203) 946-6293
e-mail: kjacobson@newhavenct.net

He will respond to emails and calls. If you report a known ATV or dirt bike location to him, he will investigate and confiscate the machines.

^ thanks, Edgewood. All area police reps know full well about this area and about the issues we face. Sporadic action that is not lasting makes this problem worse. More folks than ever now have these vehicles and ride them at will.

Since this area is on the edge of the district and has always been ignored by the city I'd suggest a quick trip down to Lowes or North Haven Paint and hardware, spend a few bucks on a one pound box of 1 1/4" roofing nails, spread the box all over where this ramp/entrance is and wait for the results.

Bump

Haha....mac just read your post. 👍

Not kidding at all, you know they have bald tires from riding in the street so much.

*bump*

Still happening, plus nice weather means friends come and join in!

SCF Nation, call it in to the Mayor's Office tomorrow (4/28/16): 203 946 8200. Just tell whoever picks up the phone that you have a message for city hall: let's get the bikes off the streets!

Where are u seeing bikes?.. I haven't seen any in a long time..

Really? Check this out:

http://wtnh.com/2016/05/12/neighbors-atvs-a-growing-problem-at-new-haven-bird-sanctuary/

Yep. Still happening.

I have not seen a ATV in awhile. Stop with the anonymous complaints.. Grow a set

So it can't be happening because YOU don't see it ? Grow a set yourself ...of eyes and ears

I live right on the edge of Bishop woods alley life and don't comment anonymously..why don't you walk in the woods and confront who is annoying u.. I always have and dont have a problem with anyone..commenting here means nothing!!!!

See Click Fix. Not see and confront in a deserted area those who are held to a lower standard. Foolish advice Booby.

Foolish advice..it's better to speak here where no one listens..under no name..that's so much better.. I see it's working well for u..

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Thank you for contributing to this constructive dialogue and helping to improve our community. Given this requests age and the lack of additional steps to take at this juncture we are closing this issue. If a similar issue arises going forward please make sure to reach out directly to the New Haven Police by calling the non-emergency number at (203)946-6136 or, in the event of emergency, dialing 911. Please remember that reporting criminal activity on SeeClickFix should not be done in absence of filing a police report, which is the best procedure to initiate police investigation as opposed to informing the community of a concern in your area. Thank you.