[MARCH 15, 2006]
Both racing enthusiasts and neighbors opposed to
the Lincoln Speedway track packed Lincoln City Council chambers and
halls last evening.
The racetrack's new owner, Glenn Barber of XPlex Extreme Sports,
headquartered in Portland, Ind., was on hand to present the
company's intentions and request some changes for the Lincoln
Speedway.
Barber came to the meeting to ask for changes he says will bring
more people to the track and to Lincoln.
Change races from
Sunday to Saturday.
Extend curfew from
10:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight was first requested)
Add the sale of
alcohol (beer).
Some added special
racing and truck event nights, including Fourth of July
fireworks.
Mayor Beth Davis asked city attorney Bill Bates to clarify the
issue before beginning.
In summary, Bates said the fairgrounds zoning did not allow for
racing. The initial Lincoln Speedway owners, Gary Baugh and Norm
Horn, petitioned the city for special use of the grounds. In the
terms of condition they agreed to a 10:30 curfew and Sunday night
races. Alcohol sales were in the original agreement, but the
business owners opted not to pursue it.
The Logan County Fair Association entered a lease agreement with
the business, Lincoln Speedway, two years ago. Barber recently
purchased the business and took over the lease.
The city is being asked to modify the conditions of special use.
Business spokesman Brian Thompson and Barber explained how the
sale of beer would be controlled. They said that they have
experience in separation, and youth would not have access. They
would use wristbands, a beer garden and special fenced bleacher
section.
They hire local off-duty police for security, and they hire many
local people for their whole operation.
An additional benefit, Barber added, is that they have used
canned beer poured into cups, and when the cans are recycled, the
funds are donated to the city's charity of choice.
Also, the business works with school athletic and band
departments in cleaning up after the events and then make a donation
to the school.
A small percentage of the audience was residents who are affected
by the noise of the track. They mostly wanted to see something done
about the volume of the noise, be it monitoring cars with a decibel
meter or, as Lloyd Mason suggested, controlling the classes that run
there, the motor size and checking mufflers.
A number of track supporters praised the quality racing and
entertainment Barber wants to bring in. Mike Rutledge said he
counted nine underaged drinking violations in the last week's court
reports. "I think you need to give the kids here something to do,"
he said.
The question was raised asking how Lincoln deals with loud noise
in other situations. Alderman Marty Neitzel asked how determination
is made to ticket for loud car radios.
That is a traffic issue and Lincoln uses the state statute for
that, Bates said.
Resident Joyce Seelye said she would rather see loud events go
someplace where they would disturb fewer people. The rock concerts
could go out to Memorial Park or the truck events to the airport,
like the balloon fest.
Alderman Rohlfs said she has had some questions on the effect on
property values around the track. I think we need to look at those
figures and see if it is true, she said.
The track was identified as offering entertainment and boosting
the economy. Development partnership director Rob Orr said, "I hope
these guys become so successful they need to build one of these
XPlex complexes here."
That would allow them choose a location away from the residential
area.
Bigger than average crowds attended the city council
meeting.
Aldermen have been preparing for these decisions. They have been
asking questions of callers and calling other tracks to gather
information.
The aldermen closest to the track had the most calls opposing the
changes. Again, aldermen said that the callers' biggest issue is
that they would like some noise volume control. Most callers and
those who have spoken at meetings say they preferred staying with
the current 10:30 curfew.
Alderman Anderson asked whether the city could stipulate a fine
or assessment if they exceeded the curfew -- 11 p.m. is being asked
for.
Barber stepped forward and said that they had considered this
already. He suggested $200 fine if they go past 11 p.m. and $500
fine if they go past 11:30 p.m. The fees would be donated to the
charity of choice.
Alderman Neitzel said: "Stop and think. This is 20 days out of a
year for noise. I think we need to give these people a chance. We
need to listen to everybody and do what is best for our town.
Everybody has to make sacrifices."
Alderman Jonie Tibbs addressed Barber, saying, "Thank you for
trying to do something for our youth and something to bring our
families together."
She said that she has driven around the city while races were on,
to assess the noise, and what she has noticed is that it is
dependent on cloud coverage and winds.
Alderman Derrick Crane acknowledged that his ward is farthest
from the track and accordingly the calls he's received have been in
favor of the track and the proposed changes. He recognized that
people closer have legitimate gripes. "Looking at it as a whole, it
is a positive for the community," he said.
The requests for changes are on the agenda for next Monday's
voting session. That begins at 7:15 p.m.
