Questioning motocross

EDITOR:

In May 2009, the Douglas County commissioners approved the establishment of what the supporters are calling the Nevada Motocross Park on Pinenut Road on county property across from the fairgrounds and only a few hundred feed from the Douglas County Animal Shelter.

On Aug. 29, 2007, an apparently more astute body, the Carson City Planning Commission, denied a special use permit for this same motocross group, in part stating:

"[T]he project will be detrimental to the use, peaceful enjoyment, economic value, or [sic] noise, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, glare or physical activity. In addition, the use ... will be detrimental to the ... economic value, and development of surrounding properties, and the possibility that the project would result in material damage or prejudice to other property in the vicinity."

The Douglas County action was taken with little notice to the affected neighborhoods, though thanks must be given to Commissioner Doug Johnson that any notice was given. The NMP group has been organizing for county approval since at least February 2009, and knew at least by that month that there would be "two public hearings" on the matter. Yet those of us affected were not given sufficient notice to absorb what was being proposed.

Though the county purports this is a trial year and it may look for more suitable sites, NMP is viewing this as a permanent location.

So, dear neighbors, would you like this event in Genoa, Dresslerville, back in the Ranchos, or out Johnson Lane way? If successful and lucrative, should this replace the peaceful equestrian events at the fairgrounds? Is there any place in Douglas County where this activity would be compatible with the residences, churches, ranches, businesses and wild critters?

If you are at all concerned, here are some questions you should be asking county commissioners:

1. How will riders be kept off the track on unscheduled days and evenings?

2. How will participants be kept from riding on the visible trails into the Pinenuts and, ergo, through existing neighborhoods? Who will enforce the requirement to carry an ax, water, and a shovel if they do stray?

3. Why, after tearing up the desert for a track, must the main stadium at the fairgrounds be used for an event?

4. Who will supervise and pay for traffic safety at the already dangerous intersection of Pinenut Road/Riverview and Highway 395?

5. What is the commissioners' schedule for considering a permanent license for this event?

6. Will an independent and credible sound test - in the affected neighborhoods - be performed?

County ordinance 10.28.050 C and D wisely make it a misdemeanor for "any person to drive any ... motorcycle ... so as to disturb the peace and quiet of any neighborhood." Obviously, the county has recognized the disturbance one such vehicle can create, but when money beckons, the ordinance be darned. I for one intend to see that it is enforced. I hope you will join me.

Joyce O. Eckrem

Ruhenstroth