Comments
Legislation in Hartford (thanks to Justin Elicker for listening to consituents and working with New Haven delegation to get this bill on the books) will allow New Haven to demand $ 1000 - $ 2000 for return of confiscated bikes/ATVs. NHPD in Fair Haven and Fair Haven Heights confiscated 50 - 60 bikes last summer but only $ 80 to get the bike back. But this legislation alone is not the answer. We need LEADERSHIP from CHIEF ESSERMAN on this issue. It is an enormous quality of life issue that threatens to chase many people out of New Haven. This has become gang activity and should be treated as such.
All over Woodward Ave from I 95 exit to lighthouse point this otherwise enjoyable memorial day afternoon. 8 - 10 deep, in, out and into traffic, with wheelies and no-hands wheelies. I called the police line and hope everyone else calls the line as frequently as necessary. The squeaky wheel...
petition drive to aldermen - done
town hall meeting with aldermen on dirt bikes - done
SIT petition to state legislature - done
legislation in state legilaslature to increase fines to get dirtbikes/ATVs to over $1000 - done
countless calls to police line - done
Will keep calling police line (203 946 6316).
And will start thinking of moving out of new haven this quality of life issue can't be solved in the next year or so. Do people in city hall really understand how crucial this issue is to the middle class in New Haven? Why pay taxes to a municipality that can't provide a minimum level of safety and peace of mind?
Absolutely concerned New Haveners should be pressing city hall to finally take a stand on the noise ordinance. Motorcycle noise in the city is out of control, and I suspect area bikers consider New Haven a "biker friendly" city. In recent years, Boston has become very agressive in enforcement of noise ordinances and so is now known as a bad place to ride your straight pipe bike. I have no problem with someone who wants to cruise around on their Harley, but when the sound can rattle windows a quarter mile away, it's a big quality of life issue. How to forcefully engage the Mayor's office and NHPD to take a meaningful stand against noise pollution? Isn't their good revenue to be made, or does revenue from those tickets go to the state?
the former Sgt Zona and still in command Sgt D'agastino have been tireless in their efforts to stop the ATVs and dirtbikes, to give credit where credit is due. Stopping and arresting is actually incredibly difficult; the cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia have beeen trying for 15 years to figure out a successful strategy. D'Agostino and Zona were successful at tracking the bikes back to owners and confiscating, but only $ 80 to get the bike back under present law and judges are very lenient when charges are brought. That's why now a bill in CT state senate to increase fine/retrieval fee to $2000, which may help to get the bikes off the street. But also need REAL LEADERSHIP from POLICE CHIEF and MAYOR on this issue. They are so far SILENT.
Baltimore is probably the worst city for dirtbikes, at least as reported in the mass media. Philadelphia also plagued by the dirtbike-ATVs. Baltimore's latest legislative effort against the bikes is to put a delay on driver's license for anyone who has been cited for a dirtbike/ATV violation: http://www.wbaltv.com/news/politics/Bill-would-drive-out-illegal-dirt-bikes-from-roads/-/9379266/19176444/-/13gifec/-/index.html
Dirtbike/ATV problem in New Haven has to be on the mayoral campaign agenda as a major quality of life issue. Not sure how that happens....
As an aside, they have similar, though more aggressive laws in Baltimore. Not alot of success with tough confiscation laws. This may seem way out there but, eventually, cities may need drone technology (drones are being used domestically already) to deal with dirtbikes. Simply no other way to track the bikes. Again, it might seem Orwellian but really the only way to deal with a nasty urban problem.
A bill on illegal use of dirtbikes is making its way through the state senate (link below). If passed, the law will allow the city to charge $2000 for retrieval of confiscated dirt bikes (the law doesn't mention ATVs but there are other bills moving around in committee that may include ATVs I have been told). The bill also asks the state to evaluate the possibility of establishing a registry for dirt bike owners. Unfortunately, the bill as currently written will not have force of law until October 2013. Which means another summer of little recourse against the bikes. My best advice is for ClickFixers to gather as much data on the bikes (photos, addresses) and figure out how to effectively get this info to substation commanders. Would also be nice if Chief Esserman or the Mayor said something publicly about the bikes - they need make a public stand against the bikes and recognize that it is an enormous quality of life issue for the city. Enormous.
Link to the legislation: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB190&which_year=2013
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A bill on illegal use of dirtbikes is making its way through the state senate (link below). If passed, the law will allow the city to charge $2000 for retrieval of confiscated dirt bikes (the law doesn't mention ATVs but there are other bills moving around in committee that may include ATVs I have been told). The bill also asks the state to evaluate the possibility of establishing a registry for dirt bike owners. Unfortunately, the bill as currently written will not have force of law until October 2013. Which means another summer of little recourse against the bikes. My best advice is for ClickFixers to gather as much data on the bikes (photos, addresses) and figure out how to effectively get this info to substation commanders. Would also be nice if Chief Esserman or the Mayor said something publicly about the bikes - they need make a public stand against the bikes and recognize that it is an enormous quality of life issue for the city. Enormous.
Link to the legislation: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=SB190&which_year=2013
please, someone give Bikelife a pacifier so @#$% stop crying and whining. I think he needs a time-out. "Into the corner, away from the other children, Bikelife!"
If you haven't already, sign the petition to support state legislation that will allows NHPD to confiscate and destroy the dirt bikes. The sub-station sargents know these kids by the name, where they live, their parents etc etc. But when they take the bikes the kids get them back within the week. New laws will allow NHPD to destroy the bikes:
XX-New-Haven:
Please try and make it to the hearing at City Hall this evening at 6 pm (165 Church St, 2nd floor) to voice your opinion. There have been talks between aldermen, community reps, Sgt Zona and other sub-stations sargeants, on how to deal with the dirtbikes. But always room for more ideas and input....
In my opinion, a confiscate-no return law our best bet. Baltimore was able to convince the Maryland State Legislature to pass a law allowing them to confiscate and destroy dirt bikes and ATVs.
Next step should be taking the issue to State Senators Looney, Harp and Lemar. This needs to be on their agenda for the next session of the state legislature. I'm sure they will find supporters from other urban areas as well (Bridgeport, Hartford etc).
I think it's pretty clear that efforts to stop the dirtbikes in Fair Haven, and New Haven as a whole, need to focus on changing laws in the CT state legislature to allow the police to impound and confiscate the dirt bikes. These kids (and adults) are absolutely terrorizing the community.
no more profane people
BJG - quoting from a response for Justin Elicker on another thread:
"Fair Haven Resident - Good question! This has started with an informal group of community leaders who connected with each other through word of mouth. We've met a couple of times to discuss different ways of dealing with the dirt bike issue. There is no official membership but we'd certainly like more people to get involved. We don't have a next meeting scheduled yet, but email me at justin.elicker@gmail.com and I'll keep you in the loop on this. Thanks!"
Justin Elicker
Ward 10 Alderman
justin.elicker@gmail.com
Hey ClickFixers, time to start writing and e mailing the mayor’s office. Read below for details on the coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic (SIT)
New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic
The New Haven Coalition to STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFIC (SIT) on our streets had its second meeting on Sept. 18. Alderman Justin Elicker reported that since our meeting last month, the city has started a concerted effort to address the issue of dangerous and illegal use of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other illegal motorized vehicles on our streets. Currently, police do not have the authority to seize and hold illegally operated motorized bikes and ATVs. Therefore, violators can reclaim impounded vehicles shortly after being caught by paying a small fine to the towing company.
On September 18, 2012, SIT members decided that the quickest way to make our streets safer is to rally the community in support empowering the city to take more aggressive actions against illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs.
What the city is doing:
1. The Corporation Counsel (the lawyer for the city) has been directed to explore the legality of the city taking possession of non-registered dirt bikes, atvs, etc. that have been operated illegally and destroying them. Other enforcement ordinances are also being explored.
2. The City is in conversation with state legislators about state-level action.
What Coalition members and supporters are being asked to do:
a. Call the Office of the Mayor (203)946-8200 and tell the Mayor that you are concerned about this issue and that you want results by next summer 2013.
or
b. Write to the Mayor at MayorDestefano@newhavenct.net. You may want to include the following points:
“I am a concerned citizen who is frustrated by the increase in use of illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs on New Haven streets, inside New Haven Parks, and near playgrounds and other recreation areas. It is my understanding that the NHPD has a long standing no-chase policy, which I agree with given the chances that a chase could result in injury of an innocent bystander. However, more needs to be done. I support the city’s effort to create policies that will eliminate the reckless behavior before someone else is killed. We’ve had many close calls already in 2012; a little girl was hit by a dirt biker while waiting at a bus stop with her dad, and a dirt biker himself suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of an unregistered illegally operated dirt bike. Please, do what is necessary. You have my support!"
Optional:
c. If you feel comfortable, go on www.SeeClickFix.org. Select a report of illegal dirt bike or ATV riding with multiple posts, and contribute your own comment. You have the option to comment anonymously on See, Click, Fix. If you comment anonymously you will be asked for an email address but it is not displayed with the comment.
Hey ClickFixers, time to start writing and e mailing the mayor’s office. Read below for details on the coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic (SIT)
New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic
The New Haven Coalition to STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFIC (SIT) on our streets had its second meeting on Sept. 18. Alderman Justin Elicker reported that since our meeting last month, the city has started a concerted effort to address the issue of dangerous and illegal use of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other illegal motorized vehicles on our streets. Currently, police do not have the authority to seize and hold illegally operated motorized bikes and ATVs. Therefore, violators can reclaim impounded vehicles shortly after being caught by paying a small fine to the towing company.
On September 18, 2012, SIT members decided that the quickest way to make our streets safer is to rally the community in support empowering the city to take more aggressive actions against illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs.
What the city is doing:
1. The Corporation Counsel (the lawyer for the city) has been directed to explore the legality of the city taking possession of non-registered dirt bikes, atvs, etc. that have been operated illegally and destroying them. Other enforcement ordinances are also being explored.
2. The City is in conversation with state legislators about state-level action.
What Coalition members and supporters are being asked to do:
a. Call the Office of the Mayor (203)946-8200 and tell the Mayor that you are concerned about this issue and that you want results by next summer 2013.
or
b. Write to the Mayor at MayorDestefano@newhavenct.net. You may want to include the following points:
“I am a concerned citizen who is frustrated by the increase in use of illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs on New Haven streets, inside New Haven Parks, and near playgrounds and other recreation areas. It is my understanding that the NHPD has a long standing no-chase policy, which I agree with given the chances that a chase could result in injury of an innocent bystander. However, more needs to be done. I support the city’s effort to create policies that will eliminate the reckless behavior before someone else is killed. We’ve had many close calls already in 2012; a little girl was hit by a dirt biker while waiting at a bus stop with her dad, and a dirt biker himself suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of an unregistered illegally operated dirt bike. Please, do what is necessary. You have my support!"
Optional:
c. If you feel comfortable, go on www.SeeClickFix.org. Select a report of illegal dirt bike or ATV riding with multiple posts, and contribute your own comment. You have the option to comment anonymously on See, Click, Fix. If you comment anonymously you will be asked for an email address but it is not displayed with the comment.
Hey ClickFixers, time to start writing and e mailing the mayor’s office. Read below for details on the coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic (SIT)
New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic
The New Haven Coalition to STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFIC (SIT) on our streets had its second meeting on Sept. 18. Alderman Justin Elicker reported that since our meeting last month, the city has started a concerted effort to address the issue of dangerous and illegal use of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other illegal motorized vehicles on our streets. Currently, police do not have the authority to seize and hold illegally operated motorized bikes and ATVs. Therefore, violators can reclaim impounded vehicles shortly after being caught by paying a small fine to the towing company.
On September 18, 2012, SIT members decided that the quickest way to make our streets safer is to rally the community in support empowering the city to take more aggressive actions against illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs.
What the city is doing:
1. The Corporation Counsel (the lawyer for the city) has been directed to explore the legality of the city taking possession of non-registered dirt bikes, atvs, etc. that have been operated illegally and destroying them. Other enforcement ordinances are also being explored.
2. The City is in conversation with state legislators about state-level action.
What Coalition members and supporters are being asked to do:
a. Call the Office of the Mayor (203)946-8200 and tell the Mayor that you are concerned about this issue and that you want results by next summer 2013.
or
b. Write to the Mayor at MayorDestefano@newhavenct.net. You may want to include the following points:
“I am a concerned citizen who is frustrated by the increase in use of illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs on New Haven streets, inside New Haven Parks, and near playgrounds and other recreation areas. It is my understanding that the NHPD has a long standing no-chase policy, which I agree with given the chances that a chase could result in injury of an innocent bystander. However, more needs to be done. I support the city’s effort to create policies that will eliminate the reckless behavior before someone else is killed. We’ve had many close calls already in 2012; a little girl was hit by a dirt biker while waiting at a bus stop with her dad, and a dirt biker himself suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of an unregistered illegally operated dirt bike. Please, do what is necessary. You have my support!"
Optional:
c. If you feel comfortable, go on www.SeeClickFix.org. Select a report of illegal dirt bike or ATV riding with multiple posts, and contribute your own comment. You have the option to comment anonymously on See, Click, Fix. If you comment anonymously you will be asked for an email address but it is not displayed with the comment.
Hey ClickFixers, time to start writing and e mailing the mayor’s office. Read below for details on the coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic (SIT)
New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic
The New Haven Coalition to STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFIC (SIT) on our streets had its second meeting on Sept. 18. Alderman Justin Elicker reported that since our meeting last month, the city has started a concerted effort to address the issue of dangerous and illegal use of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other illegal motorized vehicles on our streets. Currently, police do not have the authority to seize and hold illegally operated motorized bikes and ATVs. Therefore, violators can reclaim impounded vehicles shortly after being caught by paying a small fine to the towing company.
On September 18, 2012, SIT members decided that the quickest way to make our streets safer is to rally the community in support empowering the city to take more aggressive actions against illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs.
What the city is doing:
1. The Corporation Counsel (the lawyer for the city) has been directed to explore the legality of the city taking possession of non-registered dirt bikes, atvs, etc. that have been operated illegally and destroying them. Other enforcement ordinances are also being explored.
2. The City is in conversation with state legislators about state-level action.
What Coalition members and supporters are being asked to do:
a. Call the Office of the Mayor (203)946-8200 and tell the Mayor that you are concerned about this issue and that you want results by next summer 2013.
or
b. Write to the Mayor at MayorDestefano@newhavenct.net. You may want to include the following points:
“I am a concerned citizen who is frustrated by the increase in use of illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs on New Haven streets, inside New Haven Parks, and near playgrounds and other recreation areas. It is my understanding that the NHPD has a long standing no-chase policy, which I agree with given the chances that a chase could result in injury of an innocent bystander. However, more needs to be done. I support the city’s effort to create policies that will eliminate the reckless behavior before someone else is killed. We’ve had many close calls already in 2012; a little girl was hit by a dirt biker while waiting at a bus stop with her dad, and a dirt biker himself suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of an unregistered illegally operated dirt bike. Please, do what is necessary. You have my support!"
Optional:
c. If you feel comfortable, go on www.SeeClickFix.org. Select a report of illegal dirt bike or ATV riding with multiple posts, and contribute your own comment. You have the option to comment anonymously on See, Click, Fix. If you comment anonymously you will be asked for an email address but it is not displayed with the comment.