It’s a familiar scenario: newly built suburbs infiltrate the territory of a racetrack, resulting in noise complaints and the eventual shutdown of a beloved local venue. However, a situation in Maryland is turning this narrative upside down. In this case, a private karting track has emerged in a rural neighborhood, and locals are banding together to demand its closure before any racing takes place on the freshly paved surface.
This controversy centers around a 0.4-mile karting track constructed in Highland, Maryland, a rural area located roughly in the middle of the state. According to a tipster, the track was set up on an unused field by a property owner whose son aspires to be a professional racer. This backyard facility offers a convenient place for practice and more essential seat time for honing racing skills.
While the owner’s intentions might be admirable, the track’s establishment has led to disputes among neighbors, escalating in local meetings and discussions on social media. On one hand, critics argue that the owner neglected to follow the proper permit procedures. On the other, the neighbors’ grievances extend far beyond mere paperwork, with some asserting that allowing the track to remain would signify the collapse of law and order in Howard County. A Change.org petition has even been launched, aimed at addressing the issue.
While we identified the track’s owner from our tipster and found what appear to be their social media profiles, our request to hear their perspective has not been answered by the time of publication. Some information is available in the minutes from a community meeting on July 30, where the owner was represented by an attorney and a civil engineer—who likely designed the track—as they spoke on the owner’s behalf after neighbors successfully petitioned the county for a stop-work order.
The minutes reveal that the owner bought the property in 2016 and invested over $100,000 to build the track. Recognizing its unpopularity, he submitted an application for a conditional use permit to designate the track solely for private, non-competitive use. The plan is for only the owner’s son and two friends to use electric karts within scheduled operating hours. However, if the track fails to meet further review standards, it will need to be dismantled.
Despite the owner’s assurances, neighboring residents worry that the track might not be used as intended and that monitoring its use would fall onto them. Some have voiced concerns about possible plans to add a helipad if the karting facility is approved. Others argue that the track’s design may be problematic, alleging it has disturbed protected wetlands and is too close to property lines. Allegations also suggest that the track is located within 25 feet of these wetlands, presenting clear safety and environmental hazards in case of an accident.
It’s challenging to discern whether the opposition’s concerns stem from exaggeration or legitimate fears, such as the potential for increased traffic and speeding vehicles in their quiet community. Yet, many of the worries raised come from residents who have lived in the area long before the track existed. Furthermore, without proper permits, it’s difficult to argue that the owner acted without fault.
As this situation develops, a more nuanced dialogue is taking place in a Facebook group that includes residents from across the county. Opinions appear divided, with some expressing environmental concerns and apprehension about the track causing disturbances, while others question the actual harm of providing a private space for a young person to drive safely without endangering the public. What are your thoughts?
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