Motocross plans face concerns over noise

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by algis j. laukaitis

Terry Clement brought a boombox, but he never got a chance to play a tape of motorcycle noise at Wednesday's meeting of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Planning Commission.

Clement and other opponents of a proposed motocross track near Denton will get another chance on Jan. 21.

That's when commissioners will take more public comment on Dr. David Samani's request for a special permit to develop a motocross track on 72 acres of wooded and hilly terrain near 9600 Kolbrook Road.

Attorney Mark Hunzeker, who represents Samani, asked commissioners for the delay so his client and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department could get accurate sound-level readings for the proposed track. They also want a chance to work with neighbors and other interested parties on some additional restrictions.

"We want to try and arrive - if we can - at conditions of operations that would be satisfactory to all of the people," Hunzeker told the commission.

Opponents, who are mostly neighbors, say the project will create noise and dust pollution, lower property values, disturb wildlife and livestock, cause traffic and parking problems, degrade roads and disturb the tranquillity of their rural neighborhood.

After the short public hearing Wednesday, Marian Langan, director of Spring Creek Audubon Center, said most opponents decided to wait until Jan. 21 to testify so they could see what new restrictions Samani came up with. The nature preserve is less than a mile from the proposed track, and Langan has expressed concerns about the noise.

The commission received one letter in support of the project and 22 letters and e-mails against it, planner Mike DeKalb said.

Some people, who won't be able to make the January hearing, decided to testify Wednesday.

Don Showen of Lincoln, an avid off-road enthusiast who used to live in the area, said there was a great demand for a motocross track in Lancaster County because there were no public riding areas.

"It's a great family activity," he told commissioners. "I'm very positive about it. I think it will be handled professionally."

Dick Doll, who lives across the road from Samani's property, believes neighbors and Samani can find a "middle ground" because of the restrictions that would be placed in the special permit.

"We would be the closest house to the track," he said. "I don't have a problem with it."

Attorney Kent Seacrest, who represents adjacent landowner David Cochran, questioned whether motorcycles fit the definition of recreational activities, which would be covered by the special permit Samani has requested. He said the definition, as used by the Planning Department, does not mention motorized vehicles. He suggested the track may need to be zoned commercial or industrial.

DeKalb told the commission the planning staff was comfortable with the definition and Samani's proposed track would be considered a recreational facility.

Reach Algis J. Laukaitis at 473-7243 or alaukaitis@;journalstar.com.