Pittsfield to crack down on electric scooters and bikes
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By BETH ZUMWALT
The City of Pittsfield met June 2 and discussed the pickup of traffic from electric bikes and scooters.
“They are illegal on sidewalks,” Gary Mendenhall, mayor said. “Those that run under 20 mph can have a driver without a valid driver’s license. How fast it goes determines where it can be ridden and by who.”
Mendenhall said the city is checking with the state statutes to determine how to best regulate the vehicles.
“We don’t want to wait until somebody gets hurt, before we do something,” Mendenhall said.
The city also discussed the downtown revitalization project, saying it was slightly ahead of schedule.
“Britney Emerick, our economic development director, is going to meet with the foreman of the project every Friday and find out what is happening the next week,” Mendenhall said. “She will then send an e-mail to all business that will be affected by the schedule.”
New utility lines are being placed and will soon be covered by new sidewalks and streets. The project is expected to wrap up in November. New lighting and a new sound system are also in the works.
Mendenhall again urged Pittsfield and surround area residents to patronize the businesses in the construction zone.
“It affects their foot traffic when people think they can’t get to the door,” Mendenhall said. “There are gravel walkways and business owners are more than happy to accommodate customers with curbside service. Grace and Grit was offering delivery to customers recently.”
The city’s audit of the airport has began and once that is finished, it is hoped two areas will be classified as non-aeronautical.
“The area on the corner by John Wood and another area on the back side are not in the plans for aeronautical use,” Mendenhall said. “There was a cross runway that was put into the original plans that never came to fruition. If we can get that removed, we can use those areas for other purposes.”
A decision should be made by 2027.
The city also discussed lot size in the new industrial park, east of the Illinois State Police Headquarters.
“We have had owners tell us they would like to sell part of their lots, because they don’t plan on using them and they are just mowing the surplus,” Mendenhall said. “We are thinking about becoming more flexible on lot size. Lots are currently at seven or eight acres.”
The council also discussed applying for a USDA to add lights and utilities to the industrial park
