In Search of a Problem: Greenwich's New Street Takeover Ordinance
At the July 23 Board of Selectmen meeting, Greenwich Police Capt. Patrick Smyth formally requested an ordinance targeting “street takeovers”—those illegal spectacles where crowds block intersections so drivers can burn rubber, spin donuts, and flex for spectators.
While neighboring towns like Bridgeport and New Haven have actually seen these incidents, Greenwich hasn't. But thanks to Public Act 25-80 signed by Gov. Lamont, towns can now write their own rules. The rationale? Capt. Smyth wants to make sure Greenwich isn't left defenseless if neighboring towns outlaw this bad behavior and it creeps our way. You can read a summary of the proposed Greenwich ordinance here.
Under the proposed ordinance, the town gains the power to seize vehicles—from ATVs and dirt bikes tearing up public parks to coordinated parking lot stunt shows.
First Selectman Fred Camillo admitted, while Greenwich has not been a victim of recent street takeovers, “it’s good to have something on the books here for us to be able to respond right away in case something like that happens.”
Between the Lines: This raises a few questions for Greenwich residents. Does this include golf cart clusters outside of country clubs or Cybertruck meet-ups in the Whole Foods parking lot? Have you spotted any street takeovers in Greenwich lately? We certainly haven't—but at least we have another law on the books. Just in case.