La Salle officials move forward with 'no motorized vehicles' signs

Signs have been installed in La Salle to slow illegal ATV traffic.

On Sept. 8, the La Salle City Council unanimously approved the recommendation from its Streets, Alleys and Traffic Committee to move forward with signs to stymie illegal ATV riders in the city.

The plan includes the addition of signs stating the “prohibition of motorized vehicles” and “not a park entrance” will be located at the trailhead of the Vermillionvue subdivision, the dead end on 24th street, the Wastewater treatment plant and near John Pohar & Sons on Crosat Street.

Chairman Jim Bacidore stated, at the committee meeting, signs followed by police citations for trespassers should help to discourage anyone from continuing the illegal activity, as ATVs are forbidden by ordinance to be ridden on city property.

The committee settled on signs stating “No Park Access. No Motorized Vehicles.”

Alderman Jordan Crane first raised the issue at the Aug. 24 council meeting after he received complaints individuals trespassing on private property in Vermillionvue as well as residents have been awoken by ATVs in the early morning.

La Salle Police Chief Mike Smudzinski added to the discussion saying he receives one or two calls a month from La Salle residents with the same complaints. Smudzinksi also stated the problem of trespassing was also accompanied by the disregarding of the 10 p.m. park closing time.

City Attorney James McPhedran stated during the meeting the ATVs caused a safety issue not only for the riders but for the residents and their private property. Smudzinski echoed McPhedran’s safety concern for everyone involved.

“It’s a safety issue,” Smudzinski said. “It becomes a problem because they are riding on private and city property, that’s our concern.”

At this time there is no way to access the lake besides through private property but officials have indicated the city will begin adding an access path soon, while no specific date has been given.