Residents of McPherson voiced strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed commercial dirt bike track near their homes. The discussions highlighted significant apprehensions about noise pollution, increased traffic, and potential impacts on property values.
Several community members expressed their worries about the noise generated by motorcycles, particularly during racing weekends. One resident, a member of the New Gautland Lutheran Church, raised concerns about the disruption to burials at the church's cemetery, emphasizing the emotional toll on families during such sensitive times. Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that the noise from the track could be unbearable, especially with the anticipated influx of campers and spectators.
Traffic was another major point of contention. Residents feared that the proposed track would lead to excessive vehicle congestion on local roads, exacerbating existing dust and safety issues. One speaker, who plans to build a home nearby, noted that the current noise levels from a few bikes were already problematic, and he questioned the viability of hosting large events with numerous participants.
Concerns about environmental impacts were also raised, particularly regarding waste management for the expected influx of campers. Residents worried that without proper sewage facilities, waste could be improperly disposed of, leading to contamination of the area.
The meeting concluded with a clear consensus among the speakers: the community is largely opposed to the establishment of a commercial dirt bike track in their vicinity, citing noise, traffic, and environmental concerns as primary reasons for their opposition. The local fire department also participated in the discussion, indicating that they had questions regarding safety and emergency response related to the proposed facility.