Road Closure Hearing

Black River Valley Four Wheeler Club Inc.

Brantingham, NY 13312

To: Town of Leyden Town Board

Dear Members of the Town Board,

I hope this letter finds you well. On behalf of the Lewis County ATV Club and its

members, I would like to respectfully share our perspective regarding the

consideration to revoke ATV access on certain town roads within the Town of

Leyden.

First and foremost, we appreciate the time, effort, and care the Board puts into

balancing the needs of residents, visitors, and local infrastructure. We

understand that decisions like this are not made lightly, and we recognize that

concerns such as safety, noise, and quality of life are important and deserve

thoughtful attention.

At the same time, we believe that maintaining ATV road access in the Town of

Leyden plays a vital role in the success and sustainability of the broader Lewis

County ATV trail system.

The Town of Leyden serves as a key connector within the county’s trail network.

The system depends on a combination of off-road trails and designated road

segments to create safe, continuous riding routes. Removing access on roads

such as Neff, Ziegler, and Fitch would significantly disrupt these connections,

making it difficult—or in some cases impossible—for riders to travel between

trail sections without trailering their machines. This would reduce the usability of

the system and diminish the experience for both local riders and visitors.

Beyond recreation, the ATV trail system contributes meaningfully to the local

economy. Riders support nearby businesses including gas stations, restaurants,

and lodging establishments. Reduced connectivity often leads to fewer visitors,

which in turn impacts these small businesses and the communities they serve.

The system is also largely self-funded through permit revenue, which supports

trail maintenance and signage. A decrease in participation due to reduced

access can limit the resources available to maintain a safe and well-managed

system—something we all value

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We believe there is a strong opportunity to continue working collaboratively to

address local concerns while preserving the benefits of connectivity. Our club is

committed to being part of the solution. Whether through increased rider

education, signage improvements, speed enforcement advocacy, or ongoing

communication with residents, we are eager to partner with the Town to ensure

responsible and respectful use of these roadways.

In closing, we respectfully encourage the Town Board to consider maintaining

ATV access in the Town of Leyden as part of a balanced approach that supports

recreation, local businesses, and regional connectivity, while continuing to

address community concerns.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued service to the Town of

Leyden. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further and work

together toward solutions that benefit everyone.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Leviker

President

Black River Valley Four Wheeler Club, Inc.

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