The possibility of allowing all-terrain vehicles and utility-terrain vehicles within the Village of New Glarus drew a lengthy and often passionate public response Wednesday night, with most village residents who spoke urging the Village Board to leave the existing prohibition in place.

The special meeting at Village Hall was held as a listening session, and no ordinance, route map or final decision was scheduled for consideration. Speakers were generally limited to three minutes, with village residents, business owners and taxpayers receiving the first opportunity to address the board.

Opponents repeatedly cited concerns about pedestrian safety, children walking to school and the pool, limited sidewalks, downtown parking and the potential effect on New Glarus’ walkable tourism experience.

Several residents said the village’s compact layout allows families to walk to parks, schools, businesses and community events. They argued that adding another type of motorized vehicle to village streets could create additional conflicts in a community already dealing with automobile traffic.