Greenwich residents who have complained about reckless dirt bike and ATV riders tearing through Cos Cob, Old Greenwich and Armstrong Court will get their answer Thursday when the Board of Selectmen takes a final vote on an ordinance that would let the town seize and destroy offending vehicles.

The vote is Thursday, Aug. 13.

The three-member board, which includes First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin and Selectperson Rachel Khanna, will also convene a separate special meeting that day to discuss drainage issues near the Post Office, according to a Town of Greenwich Facebook post.

What the ordinance would do

Greenwich Police Captain Patrick Smyth first presented the draft ordinance at the board's July 23 meeting, citing complaints from neighborhoods including Cos Cob near the post office and East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich around Sound Beach, West Putnam Avenue and Pemberwick. Residents reported dangerous riding on sidewalks, riders running stop signs and multiple passengers on single-seat bikes.

The ordinance, authorized under Connecticut Public Act 25-80, targets two categories: operation of recreational vehicles on public streets, parks and other public areas, and street or parking lot takeovers involving illegal drag racing or stunt driving. The state law, which took effect in June 2025, allows any Connecticut municipality to adopt such an ordinance.

Fines would start at $1,000 for a first violation, rise to $1,500 for a second and hit $2,000 for any violation after that. Seized vehicles could be sold at auction or destroyed.

"Giving people a ticket … they don't care," Smyth told Greenwich Time on July 31, explaining why seizure is the key deterrent.

The board voted unanimously on July 23 to delay action and open a public comment period before the Aug. 13 vote.

Why officials say Greenwich needs it

Camillo told Greenwich Time on July 31 that while Greenwich has not experienced recent street takeovers, the ordinance would give the town tools to respond quickly if one occurs. He pointed to other Connecticut communities that have faced repeated takeovers without adequate enforcement options.

Rabin, at the July 23 meeting, raised concerns about activity beyond what the ordinance covers. She described visiting underground parking lots, singling out the CVS lot on West Putnam Avenue, where she said "almost gang-like things" were happening, as reported by Greenwich Free Press on Aug. 2.

Housing Authority board chair Sam Romeo has also voiced support, calling in to Camillo's radio show to back the measure.

Under state law, any e-bike modified to exceed 3,500 watts is already classified as a motorcycle, requiring a license, registration and insurance.

Special meeting: Post Office drainage

Before the regular meeting, the board will hold a special session on Post Office drainage. The Cos Cob Post Office on East Putnam Avenue has closed for renovations, though the town has not confirmed whether the drainage discussion relates to that site or to separate infrastructure nearby.

How to weigh in

Residents can attend the Thursday, Aug. 13 regular meeting at Town Hall or contact the First Selectman's office. The town's agenda center lists both sessions.