First Posted: 4/17/2015
HUGHESTOWN — Borough officials hope that upcoming legislation will lead to a summer with fewer problems from all-terrain vehicle drivers within the borough.
The council unanimously voted during its April 13 regular meeting to advertise an ordinance regulating usage of the vehicles within municipal limits.
The ordinance being drafted is in response to more than a year’s worth of complaints about ATVs speeding on Hughestown’s main streets, often late at night, and occasionally causing damage to public and residential property.
One possible highlight of the ordinance could require Hughestown residents to register their ATVs with borough officials so that complaints can be verified. Hughestown officers are currently at a disadvantage because safety concerns prohibit them from chasing riders.
In other matters, the borough is also seeking public comment regarding concerns about a private shooting range operating on the grounds of a home in the wooded area within the vicinity of Parsonage Street.
As with ATV traffic, the shooting range has been a source of regular complaints from borough residents; however, investigations into activities at the range have consistently shown them to be legal.
While past complaints have come from residents of and around Parsonage Street, recent complaints have come from residents in the Quail Hill neighborhood in Dupont Borough.
Hughestown officials will now investigate whether or not noise nuisance regulations are being violated. The borough currently has restrictions in effect from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. every day.
Also on April 13, the council voted unanimously to award the Rachel Street repaving project to Stell Enterprises of Plains. Total project costs are estimated to be around $35,000. Officials are not yet able to confirm when construction will begin, stating that it will be “as soon as possible.”
Council member Marie Griglock reminded residents of the upcoming Community Yard Sale. The borough-wide event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 6.
Residents interested in participating face a $5 registration fee. The Hughestown Parks and Recreation Committee will handle advertising and provide maps to visitors directing them to homes involved.
Non-residential vendors are invited to utilize the pavilion on the municipal grounds near the borough building on Center Street at a cost of $10.
The next Hughestown Borough Council meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11.
