Hillsboro makes skateboarding a crime on private, public property
Police chief cites increase in complaints from property owners
The board of aldermen voted 6-0, with two absent Monday, to prohibit skateboarders from riding on private or public property without specific permission from the property owner or governing agent.
The ordinance also applies to people on roller skates, in-line skates, coasters, toy vehicles, motorized skateboards and any other similar device.The ordinance came about because police have been bombarded with complaints from property owners that skateboarders were loitering on parking lots and business owners were constantly running them off, Police Chief Charlie Bennett said.
Also included in the ordinance is a section that prohibits people from operating skateboards and other similar devices on major roads.
"When I'm driving down the street, skateboarders come right at me and refuse to get out of the way," Bennett said. "I enjoy seeing them, but they don't have the respect they used to have."
Per the ordinance, police officers can now impound the skateboard or other device indefinitely and impose a fine, for which parents of minors will be held responsible.
Ward 3 Alderman Joe Phillips said skating on public or private property could cause liability for property owners or even the city.
"Anybody with a dollar can hire an attorney who would chase an ambulance," he said.
Although the ordinance restricts skaters from major thoroughfares such as Route 21, they can still ride on side streets and sidewalks.
Ward 4 Alderman Tom Stoltz believes fewer incidents of trespassing would occur if skaters had alternatives, such as a skate park.
The board discussed the possibility of a skate park, but its members weren't sure about a location.
