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Board approves regulations for motor sports

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By JEAN ORTIZ / Lincoln Journal Star

Tuesday, Jul 17, 2007 - 09:26:31 pm CDT

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners approved changes Tuesday that will allow motor sports in the county — under specific conditions.

Commissioners tossed out a host of ideas Tuesday, even pausing briefly on the idea of more study, before settling on a plan to adopt changes proposed with the help of Planning Department and Health Department officials.

But Tuesday’s discussion didn’t end without allegations the regulations were designed to thwart proposed motor sports facilities, a suggestion county officials didn’t take lightly.

Story Photo
Greg Sanford Nebraska Motorplex owner watches as cars take test runs at the Scribner track in 2004. (LJS file)
Motor sports regulations

Regulations in the county’s new motor sports amendment:
  • Race tracks, drag strips or other motor sports facilities will be allowed by special permit in the AG agricultural zoning district.
  • The property should be at least 70 acres and at least a half-mile from existing residential areas, schools, churches, parks, cemeteries, rural use/acreage areas and designated open space.
  • Applicants must submit a professional sound assessment for health department review. It can be done by computer modeling or department-approved on-site noise testing.
  • Before its operation, a motor sports center must install an approved device to monitor noise and make that information available to the health department.
  • Facilities can’t operate between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.
  • The County Board can change the conditions or impose new conditions in the interest of public health and safety.

The board voted 4-1 to adopt the amendment to the county’s zoning code.

Commissioner Deb Schorr voted against the plan, saying she was concerned its sound regulations could be too restrictive.

Her comments came at the close of the public hearing, which included testimony from officials who helped piece together the amendment and residents, many of whom were supportive of the changes.

Schorr said she believes there is somewhere in the county that can accommodate motor sports.

“If our sound restrictions are going to be the reason it can’t be built, then I can’t support it,” she said of the changes.

The regulations will allow race tracks, drag strips or any other motor sports facility by special permit in the AG agriculture zoning district and prohibit the site’s operation from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.

The regulations also will prohibit the development of a motor sports project within a half-mile of residential areas, schools, hospitals, churches, parks, cemeteries, acreage areas or land designated as open space in the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Out of concern of being too restrictive, officials eased back Tuesday on what had been proposed — keeping motor sports a mile from those land uses.

As for noise, officials will measure existing sound levels at homes nearest a proposed motor sports facility.

Daytime noise, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., will be restricted to no more than 10 decibels above that baseline level at the nearest home.

Evening levels, applicable between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., can’t exceed 6 decibels above that measured noise level.

The regulations also prohibit noise from exceeding 81 decibels at the nearest home, no matter what the baseline noise level is.

A normal conversation at three to five feet could measure between 60 decibels and 70 decibels, according to the American Hearing Research Foundation. A lawnmower or truck traffic could produce sounds closer to 90 decibels.

The County Board will retain the power to amend any of the conditions or impose additional conditions in the interest of public health and safety.

The regulations are designed to help officials deal with motor sports proposals, including plans for a drag strip that will come to the board for consideration July 31. Motor sports entrepreneur Greg Sanford has proposed a quarter-mile drag strip off U.S. 77 between Branched Oak and Davey roads.

The proposal has drawn opposition from neighbors concerned about a disruption of their rural lifestyle. Supporters, meanwhile, have pointed to a track’s economic and recreational benefits.

The new regulations will kill Sanford’s plans and any other motor sports proposal, Mark Hunzeker — an attorney representing Sanford — told the board before their vote.

Hunzeker alleged the amendment was designed to be hostile toward motor sports. He challenged commissioners to decide whether they are truly supportive of motor sports in Lancaster County.

In April, the board pledged its aid in the form of “appropriate government resources” to locate and develop a motor sports facility somewhere that maximizes economic benefits and minimizes drawbacks for neighbors.

Hunzeker’s allegation struck a nerve with Mike DeKalb, the county’s planner, who said he took exception to the suggestion the amendment was written to prevent the development of motor sports.

DeKalb defended the amendment, saying officials made every attempt to make it flexible and to address the concerns before them.

Reach Jean Ortiz at 473-7107 or jortiz@journalstar.com.


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it won't happen here wrote on July 17, 2007 3:28 pm:
" what exactly is an 'open space'? I thought this is where they wanted it built - in the country but now it appears it cannot be built there. I hope Mr. Sanford gets his wish and someday gets a track and I hope Cass County reaps all the benefits from it. "
County Circus wrote on July 17, 2007 3:56 pm:
" In todays meeting the county commissioners decide to spend 10 million of our taxpayers money on a horse arena that will be used by just a few to generate 1 million dollars, but yet they pass a text amendment that will prevent a developer in spending his OWN money to generate 10 to 23 million dollars per year according to a UNL economic study. And guess what Lincolnites we will have to fork up another 94 million dollars to build a jail and the county board of commissioners continues to do NOTHING with the exeption of Deb Schorr on bringing economic development to help pay for all these services instead of relying on us the taxpayer. "
Why? wrote on July 17, 2007 4:30 pm:
" Why does Greg keep messing around with Lancaster County when he has the support of other county? What is so important about Lancaster County? "
Huh? wrote on July 17, 2007 4:41 pm:
" Surprise Surprise! Half mile from residential areas? I can hear a dog bark from a half mile away. It should be really special listening to 2 morons gun their engines from 10am to 10pm. Nice job Lincoln. Thank God it isn't anywhere near Lincoln because they have laws against that kind of activity. "
Winner wrote on July 17, 2007 4:47 pm:
" I hope Schorr's fear that the sound restrictions are too restrictive is unfounded. I'm not a motor-sports fan, but it seems obvious that the benefits of the proposed track far outweigh the negatives. The only negatives I have heard are concerns about noise, traffic and litter, all of which we have at many events in the county. The benefit is not only monies to the community in food, lodging, etc., but having another entertainment venue that will give our people, both young and old, something to do. That can only make Lancaster county a more attractive place to live or open a business. "
mike wrote on July 17, 2007 4:52 pm:
" This is totally rediculous! The zoning changes that are approved make it impossible to locate a track. The location the develper wants to use is located less than 1/2 mile from a very small/old cemetary. The commissioners knew this when they voted. They didn't want to be labeled as anti-business so they approved a zoning amendment. Kiss another revenue sourse along with a great recreation facility away to another county. Lets here it for continued high tax rates, thanks commissioners. "
anonymous wrote on July 17, 2007 4:56 pm:
" Kind of like Scribner benefited from his race track there... oh wait no its closed now even after the public funding of bleachers. "
Drag racer wrote on July 17, 2007 5:08 pm:
" Thank you Deb Schorr for supporting motorsports in Lancaster County. So much for a drag strip in this County. No investor in there right mind would build under this zoning code. No reason for the July 31st hearing now. "
Amazing wrote on July 17, 2007 6:00 pm:
" So basically they are saying that they are not opposed to a drag strip being built, but with the restrictions there is no place it realistically *can* be built. Congratulations to whatever other county outside of Lancaster ends up getting the track. The Lancaster County officials have failed us again. It is funny how no other county in the nation has any such zoning codes. "
WAY TO GO wrote on July 17, 2007 6:10 pm:
" Way to go lancaster county, it seems lancaster county wants nothing coming into it to bring money. The drag strip would bring lots, everyone on the board should be fired, with the exception of Deb Schorr, at least she is trying to get something in this county. Lincoln is getting worse every year, i'm sure some other county will be glad to let Greg build in there county. "
Mark wrote on July 17, 2007 6:14 pm:
" "Board approves regulations for motor sports", the headline blairs. This makes it sound like a motorsports facility will come here, but look closer folks. What the board did today was actually push the drag strip to another county who apparently is begging Mr. Sandford to come their way.(Anyone see a problem with that in itself) This, at the same time they voted to hand out more money (10 million dollars in bonds) for the events center today. They also recently paid and plan to issue bonds (90 million) with reguards to overpriced land and construction for a new jail. As a registered republican, I am totally furious with this board who apparently seems to be out of touch with reality and the cost of living in Lincoln. 90% of the population in the county lives in Lincoln, but yet the board chose to bow to the wishes of a few landowners who will NEVER contibute to the local economy combined what the potential revenue would mean for this cash strapped city and county from a motorsports facility. But wait, lets just pass on the burden to the ever ignorant general public because they will pay for it. Wake up folks!! This is beyond careless government representation. "
HMMM wrote on July 17, 2007 7:04 pm:
" Does this mean the events such as tractor pulls, racing, demo derby at the state fair are cancelled since they will make noise? How stupid to approve this!!! "
greed wrote on July 17, 2007 7:45 pm:
" Too bad he didn't put it up at I-80 & Hwy 77. Greed gets you nowhere fast when you sell something that would have worked. "
As predicted wrote on July 17, 2007 7:58 pm:
" this wasn't going to happen, and I'm glad. The board members saw the writing on the wall and really it's Sanford and the supporters fault for being so stubborn about the location they wanted. See what happens when you don't play along? "
Pardon my slowness... wrote on July 17, 2007 9:08 pm:
" ...but is this good or bad? I can't tell whether this means there is a good chance for a drag strip, or there isn't? "
D wrote on July 17, 2007 9:17 pm:
" Frankly, I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. Let Mr. Sandford go elsewhere - no big deal. "
State Fair Activities wrote on July 17, 2007 9:48 pm:
" Well there better not be any motorsports activities of any sort at the State Fair anymore because the Fair Grounds is within 1/2 mile of residential areas. Way to go county planning morons. "
state fair goes on wrote on July 17, 2007 10:46 pm:
" State fair falls under the city ordinance, not county. "
WTG wrote on July 18, 2007 12:53 am:
" Way to go Mr. Mike DeKalb and the County Board. Pass a regulation for the sake of a few whiners. So much for a moto cross track at Frontier Harley! Oh yeh, and the Abott Sports complex. "
fed up wrote on July 18, 2007 2:08 am:
" we would get motorsports if it involved the huskers "
Yep wrote on July 18, 2007 4:17 am:
" I see the motor sport crybabies are at it again. They didn't get their way so they cry foul. Maybe things might have turned out different if Sanford would have paid for the sound test instead of refusing. I still think he's trying to pull something over the county like he did in Dodge county. They wanted him to pay part of the cost for road improvements to his track. So instead of paying for the road he just ups and closes the track. He didn't get his way so he closes, what would he have done here if he got the permit? How much would it have cost the county? Probably more than any potential income from taxes. As for motor sports at the state fair, they can have them. the sound ordinance is for land zoned AG. That is rural land used for agricultural use. The fair grounds is not zoned AG. "
Who votes for these jokers? wrote on July 18, 2007 6:40 am:
" Why would any one want to deal with these restrictions? After having seen the excitement of Americruse and the amount of people it brought to the city you would think the obvious reaction would be to as supportive as possible to the idea of motorsports in the county. Well the heck with you, I am tired of my 13cents on the dollar going to you free-loading whiners. Give me my money back and start paying for your own ambulance, roads and police. And if I was the good Dr. I would put my facility in the neighboring county as a slap in the face. "
Doesn't matter wrote on July 18, 2007 6:51 am:
" It doesn't matter, he wouldn't build here now even if they did allow it...I wouldn't either with all the crap they have pulled. "
Thanks for protecting our way of life wrote on July 18, 2007 8:31 am:
" I'm proud of the commission for doing the right thing, even though they've been getting lots of pressure from people who don't care about the right of others to peaceful enjoyment of their property. I'm one of those "few landowners who NEVER contribute to the local economy" someone else mentioned. Actually, I contribute several thousand dollars in taxes to the county every year, in addition to spending tens of thousands of dollars on goods and services _in Lincoln_ annually, as I suspect, do most of the other people who live outside the city limits. This shouldn't be an "us vs. them" issue, but those in favor of the facility seem to want to make it one. If you like listening to loud cars so much, let them build the facility _in_town_, next to your house... "
what a mess wrote on July 18, 2007 8:33 am:
" I have to agree with the majority here. The regulations mean NO MOTOR SPORTS in Lincoln. I hope Sanford goes to a neighboring county. I will gladly drive and spend my dollars there. Lincoln is SOOOO short sighted I wonder why I live here. "
yoshiki wrote on July 18, 2007 8:37 am:
" If it ain't broke, don't fix it, County Board! Oops, too late... "
reason 124 wrote on July 18, 2007 8:43 am:
" Here's reason # 124 why Douglas/Sarpy counties are kicking lancasters tail in economic development. Small town attitued = small town tax revenue. If i owned a business i would stay as far away from lincoln as possible. "
Amazed wrote on July 18, 2007 9:23 am:
" Good job, County Commissioners! They did the right thing in passing zoning regulations that protect ALL of the citizens in Lancaster County. Let's see ... Lincoln is in Lancaster County. Lincoln has noise ordinances that protect its citizens. It amazes me that the same attorney that fought to shut down train whistles because it's too loud for some people (who moved near the tracks knowing that trains have whistles), is the same one that doesn't think others who purchased their properties in a peaceful rural setting should have the same right to peace and quiet. Boy, how selfish people can be when it wouldn't affect them. I feel sorry for anyone that would be subjected to that kind of noise pollution! Lincoln will reap just as much economic developement if it's built in Cass County. Can't wait to see all the new hotels, shopping malls and restaraunts that pop up because of a drag strip. Scribner? What happened? I think we'll be waiting a very, very long time. "
Thank you wrote on July 18, 2007 9:25 am:
" How is it that those of us living in the county don't contribute to the economy???!!! We pay FAR MORE property taxes than those of you in town. I used to live in town, and paid thousands less then. We get no rights to vote for city officials, and yet we are spending all our money in Lincoln--it's about time we have a say in something through our elected COUNTY officials. Oh, and thanks Deb Schorr, it's nice you have your half million dollar home in the snooty south part of town that would NEVER see a blight like a drag strip. "
Randy wrote on July 18, 2007 9:56 am:
" I may be off on this, but I would think all of the machines during harvest would violate these restrictions as well. "
Husker Girl wrote on July 18, 2007 9:56 am:
" Thank you, County Commissioners, for researching and being somewhat level headed about this. Thanks for not being blinded by the supposed monetary benefits of this, but for thinking of people's right to a peaceful and quiet existance. Tho I think 1/2 mile is still to close for comfort, it is better than nothing. I live 3 miles from a railroad crossing, and I can hear those horns blowing every morning, inside my house with closed windows. "
Scooter wrote on July 18, 2007 9:57 am:
" It would be nice if they had simply had the backbone to vote against the change in zoning instead of passing it with impossible to meet required regulations. Do they really think they are fooling anyone with such a move? I just hope everyone who has an opinion on this issue remembers these things in the voting booth. Hopefully we'll get some candidates to vote for who actually embrace bringing revenue generating ventures into the county. DeKalb should have lost his job a long time ago, can't wait to see him gone. Can we impeach a County Planner for malfeasance? I hope Sanford immediately begins talking with neighboring counties which have shown an interest in his drag strip facility proposal. The July 31 vote is now moot so he might as well do so. "
Doug Grote wrote on July 18, 2007 10:05 am:
" This just goes to show that there are still living Dinosaurs in Lancaster County. I suppose the farmers in the area of the proposed track will have to harvest with sickle's because of the noise a tractor might make. Deb Schorr, Thank you for at least trying to do something for the good of Lancaster county residents. Greg, I hope and pray you find a county with some common sence to help you get a motorsports facility up and going. Welcome to Lancaster County "Where the fun stops and the B.S begins! "
Steven wrote on July 18, 2007 10:08 am:
" I love the people who are in the way of progress, talk about saving their peace and lifestyle.. I guess one needs to look at their taxes and decide if a few people living in the middle of a cornfield, in peace, is worth your extra tax burden for a new jail and upgrade of a horse barn. I suspect not. Unfortantly growth and progress somethimes causes a few to move out of the way to benefit the many, but not in this case. This board just raised our taxes without any reguard to the people who pay for it, while turning away millions of dollars at the same time. Stupidity at it's finest. At least one commissioner appears to have her head on straight. To bad the same can't be said for the other commissioners. "
property owner wrote on July 18, 2007 11:08 am:
" This noise ordinance is NOT for agriculture, only motorsports, and the people who are actually keeping up with this and taking the time to research and read the ordinance will know this. Most of us having working farms and the machinery is part of the landscape. Motorsports is not. I too hope Sanford relocates elsewhere. He ought to have checked into it further before buying the land in an area where this blight is not wanted. "
BB wrote on July 18, 2007 11:44 am:
" Why not build it on the west side of the airport? The aircraft noise is already there and there are huge, flat slabs of concrete by the old hangers in the airpark area, for racing, parking etc. Just an idea. Instead of everyone just whining for one side or the other, why not all look for imaginative ideas that benifit all? "
Chuck wrote on July 18, 2007 12:08 pm:
" If thats zoned AG land out where the drag strip was supposed to be then why are there acreages out on AG land? "
Bleacher Creature wrote on July 18, 2007 12:17 pm:
" Mr Sanford, Please contact the Eagle area. Lancaster county does not want you, but I bet we do! "
The Few wrote on July 18, 2007 12:34 pm:
" Judging by the number of people who were there yesterday on the opposition side (many!) versus those on the support side (7, maybe?) you're way off base in saying that "a few should move out of the way for the benefit of the many". Maybe the few who want this niche sport should be the ones who move out of the way. "
So You wrote on July 18, 2007 12:49 pm:
" So some of you won't even stick up for people who live near the State Fairgrounds! It's OK but not in my AG zoned back yard. "
Cal Naughton Jr. wrote on July 18, 2007 1:20 pm:
" The airport idea has been discussed thoroughly. As far back as seven years ago. I have tried and tried to vote out of office the incumbants, but the lemmings of Lincoln, continually vote to retain the incumbants. There needs to be reform in our local government. "
Makes cents wrote on July 18, 2007 1:55 pm:
" Lincoln's new mayor is all for a drag strip, along with the city council. So why don't they put it by the airport? Why? because people living in Air Park and the prestigous Capitol Beach, would come unglued just like anyone else that would be subject to that kind of obnoxious noise. Lincoln is all for it. Just don't put it anywhere near Lincoln. City officials: put your mouth where you THINK the money is and let it go next to the already noisy airport ! "
coddington & A wrote on July 18, 2007 2:06 pm:
" along the subject of noise...i just moved into a new home not long ago and wasn't told that planes fly over all the time making sooo much noise...if i have my windows open i cant hear the tv...do you think they'd move the airport for me? "
T wrote on July 18, 2007 2:43 pm:
" Let me guess, I bet the airport was there first before you moved into your home. Sorry, not the case with the drag strip. It continually amazes me that you people believe a drag strip is what is going to save our economy. I have lived in major cities around the US, and none of them have a drag strip, and they are still thriving. "
wow wrote on July 18, 2007 3:14 pm:
" Yeah OK. Who says only a few people utilize the Lancaster County Extension Center. You are SO wrong. Just because horses and events at the center aren't part of your hobby - doesn't mean others don't enjoy them - by the thousands! "
Good Economy wrote on July 18, 2007 3:36 pm:
" Building a Drag strip is a start to revitalize Lincoln, any new businesses will help our economy grow. This is private enterprise investing these dollars not our taxpayer’s dollars. Putting 8 million into the Lancaster Event Center to generate one million a year and increasing it to 10 million just to cover old expenses of building the center is poor business. Seems odd to continue putting our city of Lincolns tax dollars into a facility for the few llamas and their mama’s can enjoy a pleasure sport that generates no useful revenue to our community. Maybe you can buy the drag strip land now and use your own money to build your own facility instead of using our tax money....oops, wait, then it wouldnt be free! "
I don't mean to gloat but... wrote on July 18, 2007 5:43 pm:
" I bet Mr. Sanford wishes that he would have accepted the "fair market value" offers that he received last year from the local farmers who wanted to purchase his land for agricultural purposes. According to my estimations, it looks like Mr. Sanford has a buyer's market and his substantial attorney fees to deal with now. "
Pay attention wrote on July 18, 2007 6:24 pm:
" Pay attention to the names on the ballot next time you vote - better yet, write the commission and tell them you'll remember their names come election time. This goes either way - for or against it. If you don't, you've got no call whatsoever to complain. Better yet - put your name on the ballot and voice your opinion that way. That's how the system works, and why (in this case) the system has failed. Nobody paid attention, idiots got elected and re-elected by name recognition alone and now we're stuck scratching our heads. 10M out, 1M in for a barn... good for a few - 10k in (maybe) and up to 23M out - seems like a no brainer. And for all the farmers and ranchers complaining about 'their' land being infringed upon - manifest destiny, deal with it. Your 'peace and quite' is not worth 10M-23M per year… sorry, but there is plenty of other land in the world that you can stake your claim in. "
Life isn't fair! wrote on July 18, 2007 6:48 pm:
" Let's see...it's OK to operate combines & tractors over 81 decibels but not OK to operate a race car at 81 decibels! Doesn't seem fair to me but then again it doesn't seem fair to me that farmers get a government subsidy (welfare) check every year either! Another Lancaster County mistake but they will just raise everyone's property valuations 30% or more to cover their inability to manage their finiances. Us homeowners pay for their short term thinking. I will continue to drive to Kearney Nebraska to race...what a wasted opportunity! "
new idea wrote on July 18, 2007 7:11 pm:
" if i am correct, their are minable minerials under mr sanderfords nowunusablelandI r whaneighboores would say if a strip mining operation went in under federl land use laws, and it would be hard to stop at the locol level "
Tired of taxes in Lincoln wrote on July 18, 2007 8:01 pm:
" Ok I live in Lincoln and we Lincolnite represent 90 percent of Lancaster Counties population. I could care less where a race track is located, but it should be welcomed because studies have show racing creates revenue. Even our BIG RED economic study said it would bring millons to the community. Isnt the county board supposed to represent all of us in tax relief? We have two to many farmers on the county board that only vote for their rural friends who already recieve too many handouts in tax relief and benefit from our "farmer county of commissioners" Check what these Farmer county of commissioners recieve from us taxpayers as well as the other northern Lancaster County farmers on this website www.ewg.org/farm. Its public information and looking at what our county farmer board members get in these payment plus costing our county citizens in economic growth loss will be remembered come election time. "
oh boy wrote on July 18, 2007 8:07 pm:
" I'll pay attention the next time I vote! I'm for a track - but believe the track does not belong where it is proposed. An industrial area would be far better! The commissioners went about this process fairly. The location is the issue. Find a suitable location (I believe the Frontier Harley-Davidson proposal would put their track IN the city limits) and make it work. There are other locations recommended by the task force with less impact on an area. Again, the other supporters for the track are an embarrassment on these blogs - no wonder people are up in arms with your attitude. "
Moving from Lan. County wrote on July 18, 2007 9:00 pm:
" I'll be out of here as soon as I graduate. The local gov't is so messed up words can not even describe it....and then people wonder why we have high property taxes and currently the highest fuel in the country. "
Mark wrote on July 18, 2007 9:47 pm:
" Here's a way to save some taxpayers money...Greg...sell your property to the county for $40,000 an acre for a new jail.that would be cheaper than what's currently planned ($60,000 an acre now)..better yet..lets build a horse barn there to bring all the millions of dollars to the local economy from those supposedly dozens of horse lovers. "
Jack wrote on July 18, 2007 9:55 pm:
" Hey everyone, show up at the July 31st mtg to voice your displeasure over this debacle and our tax increases. Let them know how you feel about being shafted again. "
wake up lancaster county wrote on July 19, 2007 7:56 am:
" I thought I had moved to a democracy when I moved from a small town in NE to Lincoln a were years ago. Guess I was wrong. Lincoln/Lancaster county seems to side with the few morons who don't want to seem that kind of revenue enter the county. No one seemed to have a problem with Americruise that brought people from all over. Guess that can't come back to Lincoln again because of the noise regulations. Someday Lincoln and the county will realize they aren't a small town anymore. Get rid of that mentality!!! "
Sound Laws wrote on July 19, 2007 8:05 am:
" They put in place these sound laws yet I live over by the zoo and can here the stadium on game days and does it sometimes bother me...yes. Yet they dont need any sound laws .. if your going to be prude on something be prude across the board "
The first good idea so far!!! wrote on July 19, 2007 8:21 am:
" That's the idea JACK!! Fill the Commission Chamber with supporters, and don't be affraid to voice your opinion - make sure they know who your voting for next election. Their arrogance will be their downfall. It is their job to represent the people that elected them - they are not doing that... REMIND THEM!!! "
ZL-1 wrote on July 19, 2007 9:42 am:
" Lancaster County Officials have created a non friendly environment for motorsports. No developer in their right mind would build with noise monitoring on site. No tracks in the USA have on site monitoring. Plain and simple our County Board is not for economic development and it was shown at this meeting again with their actions of spending our money on the events center instead of welcoming private sector money to improve our community. Motorsports is done for Lincoln... forever, Mr Chairman Workman knew this when he directed the planning staff in drafting this noise ordinance. He knew this would kill the drag racing proposal that is scheduled for July 31st. I would seriously doubt Mr Sanford will persue this any furthur, so our July 31st date will probalby never happen, but there is other methods to change the leadership in this county, which includes recalls and the voting polls. Citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County need new leadership so our families and their families still have a viable and enjoyable place to live. "
tim wrote on July 19, 2007 11:48 am:
" the adopted changes simply eliminates the possibility of a track. its very clear lancaster county officials don't want this track. "
Not a race fan wrote on July 19, 2007 11:52 am:
" I hate to burst anyone's bubble, but before you talk about voting out the county commissioners, you have to be a registered voter in their district. I Don't think you're going to scare too many commissioners because you probably don't live in their district. "
Voting them out wrote on July 19, 2007 12:59 pm:
" Ha, ha, so true! You can't vote out a commissioner you can't vote against. And most of the supporters are from Garland and other towns around. You have to wonder why they don't work harder to get a track where they are instead of putting it in our yards. "
REGISTERED VOTER RACE FAN wrote on July 19, 2007 1:33 pm:
" Any one in Lincoln can vote for any commissioner in Lancaster County. The candidate for that district needs to reside in his area that they represent, but anyone in Lincoln or Lancaster county can vote for the commissioner of their choice. Your saviour Mr Workman preventing motorsports and economic development in Lancaster County may have a difficult time being elected next time. "
Recaller wrote on July 19, 2007 2:52 pm:
" Workman is district 5 look how much of Lincoln that includes. North Lincoln houses more support than you may think for a drag strip. "
save ag no drag wrote on July 19, 2007 4:34 pm:
" If you don't like the county motorsports ordinance, put it in the city and live with the city version which has been on the books for decades. If 90% of Lancaster residents are city residents, then will 90% of the attendees be city residents? If so, the city is the best place to put it "
Not a race fan wrote on July 19, 2007 11:57 pm:
" Wrong. Election site says: Which offices are elected by district in Lancaster County? The following offices are elected by district: University of Nebraska Regent, State Board of Education, Legislature, Southeast Community College, Lower Platte South and Nemaha Natural Resource Districts, Lancaster County Board of Commissioners, Boards of Education (Lincoln, Norris, Raymond Central, and Waverly), and Lincoln City Council "
Editor's note wrote on July 20, 2007 6:52 am:
" County commissioners represent districts but the entire county gets to vote on all commissioners. "
Cit wrote on July 20, 2007 7:17 am:
" I certainly don't expect any of my "hobbies" to dictate development or infringe on the rights of others in an area. Common sense would be to build this in an industrial area of Lincoln - already suited to noise, traffic. The County Commissioners did not say "no" to any track. Instead they set criteria which still works for locations selected by the motor sports task force. The regulations are appropriate - no track should interfere with a cemetery, park, church. It is disturbing to think people are so selfish and self-centered that they would dismiss a cemetery because it is "old". "
Erm... wrote on July 20, 2007 10:05 am:
" I'm pretty sure the dead people in the cemetery won't complain... and what if they were race fans? "
See wrote on July 20, 2007 11:09 am:
" Erm's comment above shows the sensitivity of the race fans. Ultimately that negativity will not win you any points with the county board who takes the cemetery seriously. If you're so not-bothered by the sound of a drag strip, move from Garland to an existing strip or better yet, don't sell your home by the track as soon as you find out a drag strip may be put there (carol brown). "
From Garland wrote on July 20, 2007 4:23 pm:
" Most of the supporters are from Lincoln. Some of us are from surrounding communities. I wish a 4 lane highway ran by here, leading up to a good interstate exit. Unfortunately it is by Davey. There are a lot of the supporters from within 4 miles of the proposed location, so they would be the lucky ones to have a track nearby. Either way I'll be happy when a track gets built. "
What a joke!! wrote on July 25, 2007 11:44 am:
" Just to touch on a few points, one alot are saying that scribner did not benefit, in small ways they did, but unfortunatly all they have to offer is a couple of small conveniance stores, No hotels, and maybe 2 amall resturant/Bars. Unfortunately they did not have much to offer so Fremont got the majority of the bussiness from it being there are Hotels, Resturaunts, Large scale stores like Walmart and so forth, parts stores and other entertainment venues that Scribner has none of or not enough of. Does the new amendments look like they are just trying to keep them out, Yes! What they have proposed they will not be able to find a suitible spot. That is just the same is saying we dont want that here!! I agree if Lancaster wont let him in, He should go somewhere else that is wanting his bussiness. But I would plan it carefully to make sure that Lancaster cannot benefit in any way from it, IE dont build close to Lancaster so the Hotel and others there will not see the money from large events. Another thought, Americruise is a very large automotive based event that is for all, family, young and our elder folks. Taking this track away from the area could take that event away too once they have a facility of that sort close to the interstate that can handle that type of event and offer other events that Licoln and Lancaster county wont allow, They will be gone and so will the Revenue! Off to another county and city like alot of other events. The only thing that Lincoln and Lancaster county have is the Huskers and there football games! Not everyone likes football and the Huskers. By they way doesn't the noise from the stadium exceed the limits?? "
Greg wrote on July 27, 2007 12:54 am:
" so it's not like the dragstrip is gonna be run 24/7,365 days a year.Some of you people act like it's gonna be an everyday thing. chill out "

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