Letter To The Editor – A Fast One At The Speedway?

To the editor:
The Lebanon Valley Speedway is attempting to overturn zoning laws for the motocross track.
Think the racetrack is noisy now? Plans are underway for a 6 am start on Sundays with roaring motors and all day races until 9 pm. A group of concerned citizens within a 5 mile radius is working to stop this zoning change covering the towns of New Lebanon and Stephentown. For many months the ZBA of Stephentown has been holding hearings about the legal and environmental issues that the proposal involves. The Board has accepted the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Those in opposition feel that it is far from complete. The law requires that provision for public comment be provided, but the ZBA has ruled only written comments would be considered. Those opposing are working hard to inform the citizens as to what is happening and to join them in attending meetings, writing letters and contributing to the expenses. The opposition has been forced to hire experts in noise impact, traffic, parking, landscape architecture and real estate values at considerable expense. They feel it is vitally important to have a community united in opposition to this attack on their rural quality of life and land values.
Zoning changes require a compelling reason to alter the law. Opponents see no compelling reason for this move. No commercial enterprises are allowed in residential areas.
For more information contact me at 518-794-7431or Jbbaum @fairpoint.net.
Sincerely,
Robert Baum
Route 13, Brainard