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A go-kart track built by a father for his son ended up causing a big dispute among neighbors in Howard County. The case, which involves environmental and noise issues, came before the Appeals Board and divides opinions in the community.
This man spent US$ 100,000 building a go-kart track in his backyard for his son, but the neighbors want it shut down.
Chris Siperko, a resident of Howard County in the state of Maryland, defended the use of a go-kart track built on his property. The case was examined during a nearly seven-hour hearing by the county’s Appeals Board.
The track was started in December 2023 and completed in January 2024. It is approximately 800 meters long and 7.3 meters wide.
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Since the completion of the work, Siperko’s neighbors have opposed the structure’s permanence on the site.
Despite this, earlier this month, the board gave the green light for Siperko to keep the track. Thursday’s meeting served to delve deeper into the arguments on both sides.
Experts Speak In Favor Of The Track
During the hearing, Siperko’s attorney, Sang Oh, presented two experts: civil engineer Robert Vogel and Jeffrey Straw, vibration and acoustics consultant from Florida.
Both professionals stated that the track should not cause significant disturbances.
Vogel emphasized that the project does not pose risks of odors or a significant increase in traffic. Straw noted that the noise from the track should remain below 65 decibels, the limit required by local regulations.
Oh also argued that the request for conditional use is within the standards of the county code.
Residents Continue To Oppose
On the other side of the dispute, the neighbors’ attorney, G. Macy Nelson, attacked the project for potential environmental impacts. He claimed that part of the track runs through wetland areas and that there could be encroachment on neighboring properties.
In response, Vogel stated that he is in contact with the Maryland Department of the Environment. Oh assured that any future modifications would be minor. “Under no circumstances will we do anything larger or radically different from what was approved, ” he said.
Nelson also called two neighbors to testify. Both complained about the noise coming from the track and expressed concerns about the environment.
“I believe that the quality of life for us and other neighbors will be harmed by the ongoing use of the racetrack,” said Joe Quill.
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