Neighbors must respect another regarding ATV issue

To equate the noise made by a lawnmower with the noise made by dirt bikes is like comparing apples to oranges. A professional landscaper can take an average of 40 minutes to mow a 2-acre homesite, a homeowner himself perhaps two hours. This disturbance occurs only one day a week. Some parents allow their children and their friends to ride their dirt bikes every day, with no time limit and late into the night. That is why there is a need for a specific ordinance for ATV’s.

It is unfortunate that some residents are now resorting to harassment and intimidation as a means to punish neighbors for speaking in favor of the ATV ordinance. As a result of attending the June 16 municipal meeting, the next day my neighbors and I were subjected to having four dirt bikes and two ATV’s race by our homes for nearly five hours straight. I was also forced to change my seat three times during the meeting because of harassment condoned by a dirt bike rider’s parent.

As a result of the July 7 municipal meeting and the likelihood of the ATV ordinance passing, large bright orange and yellow "No Trespassing" signs were placed along our property lines as a punishment for speaking in favor of the ATV ordinance. Considering that the property is landlocked, the intention was obvious. We’re talking about 800 feet of signs being posted.

The only thing we have ever asked for was to be able to sit in our back yards and have a conversation with our families without having to shout over the roar of dirt bikes or be covered by the dust and dirt churned up by the tires racing incessantly. Millstone Township is no longer the rural, environmentally friendly community of yesterday. It is a crowded suburban community in which neighbors need to respect each other to live in peace.

Catherine A. Ewart

Millstone