ONEIDA -- Instead of riding around Oneida, snowmobilers may soon be able to cut right through the city.
"Oneida and its small town, locally owned, wonderful restaurants and taverns can now be part of that snowmobile network," said Joe Magliocca, who lives in Oneida and supports the idea.
The Oneida Common Council heard public comment on the local law before approving it Tuesday night. The law allows snowmobiles to ride on a new trail within city limits which includes parts of North Lake and North Main streets and Canal Road. It will also connect to hundreds of miles of trails that travel around Oneida, and in neighboring counties.
"That goes right through the heart of Oneida business section and this means quite a bit for local businesses," said Tim Carr, with the Tri-Valley Trail Riders group.
But there are safety concerns with riders crossing streets and worries about noise from some homeowners who live along the trail. All residents who live on the route, would need to give approval for snowmobilers riding on their land before the change is set in stone.
Still, many say this path could lead to opportunity. Magliocca says it's a multi-million dollar recreation business that helps sustain many communities during the winter. "It will certainly bring people down here," he said.
The Tri-Valley Trail Riders will be responsible for maintaining the eight-mile stretch, and there is a lot of work in store before it's safe for snowmobiles. "There is brushing, and a lot of signing that needs to be done," said Carr.
The signs which will mark the trail will help alert riders to the rules, like the curfew. Snowmobiling between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is off limits. There is also a 20 miles per hour speed limit in Oneida, and you could be in trouble if your sled is too loud.
Oneida City Police Chief David Meeker told the council at the meeting that it will be easier to regulate snowmobiles and enforce the rules if there is a designated trail within the city.
