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Chamber bans ATVs on streets at festival
By Jack Carrerow, Reedsport Staff Writer
Saturday, November 22, 2008 | No comments posted.
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REEDSPORT — No more roaring through the streets of Winchester Bay. The Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce has announced that Winchester Bay’s business and residential area will not be open to all-terrain vehicle traffic at next year’s DuneFest.
Residents complained about ATVs to the chamber earlier this fall, saying ATVs were allowed into the area, but neighbors were never consulted.
There were also complaints of riders driving drunk, making noisy passes by houses in the early morning hours and operating the vehicles outside of the prescribed areas.
Chamber events coordinator Joe Mirvis said the idea of allowing ATVs on the streets of Winchester Bay came from some of the merchants. And the DuneFest committee thought it would be an economic enhancement to businesses.
“The ATV-friendly theme was on the Web site. That’s the way it was advertised,” he said. “It wasn’t meant to be a secret. We figured everyone knew. We were trying to improve on an already great event.”
Resident Joe Coyne, the person who first brought his concerns to the chamber prior to the August festival, said it was never about being against DuneFest.
“DuneFest is a very important part of our economy and I was never against it,” Coyne said. “I just thought the community should have a say about what happens in their own front yard and now, they have. It’s great to see our community work together and solve this problem.”
John Lechuga, who not only serves as the second vice president of the chamber, but also serves on the DuneFest committee said he likes a suggestion for shuttle buses to take the participants into the business area, where they could enjoy themselves without having to bring their ATVs.
“I think it’s a great idea. I know they use the shuttles now, but these would take the riders further into the area,” Lechuga said. “Of course that would have to go through the same process of permitting with the county. But, I think it would be a good compromise.”
Former chamber member Kathi Wall-Meyer, who attended Wednesday’s meeting of the chamber said the announcement was a surprise, but a good one.
“They’re doing what the community asked and that’s a good thing,” she said. “You want to feel the chamber listens and wants to work through problems.”
Residents complained about ATVs to the chamber earlier this fall, saying ATVs were allowed into the area, but neighbors were never consulted.
There were also complaints of riders driving drunk, making noisy passes by houses in the early morning hours and operating the vehicles outside of the prescribed areas.
Chamber events coordinator Joe Mirvis said the idea of allowing ATVs on the streets of Winchester Bay came from some of the merchants. And the DuneFest committee thought it would be an economic enhancement to businesses.
“The ATV-friendly theme was on the Web site. That’s the way it was advertised,” he said. “It wasn’t meant to be a secret. We figured everyone knew. We were trying to improve on an already great event.”
Resident Joe Coyne, the person who first brought his concerns to the chamber prior to the August festival, said it was never about being against DuneFest.
“DuneFest is a very important part of our economy and I was never against it,” Coyne said. “I just thought the community should have a say about what happens in their own front yard and now, they have. It’s great to see our community work together and solve this problem.”
John Lechuga, who not only serves as the second vice president of the chamber, but also serves on the DuneFest committee said he likes a suggestion for shuttle buses to take the participants into the business area, where they could enjoy themselves without having to bring their ATVs.
“I think it’s a great idea. I know they use the shuttles now, but these would take the riders further into the area,” Lechuga said. “Of course that would have to go through the same process of permitting with the county. But, I think it would be a good compromise.”
Former chamber member Kathi Wall-Meyer, who attended Wednesday’s meeting of the chamber said the announcement was a surprise, but a good one.
“They’re doing what the community asked and that’s a good thing,” she said. “You want to feel the chamber listens and wants to work through problems.”
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