ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (WJZ) – A Maryland father is in court defending the go-kart track he built on his property for his son.
Unhappy neighbors and environmental concerns are hindering the track’s use and permit approval.
Sang Oh, Chris Siperko’s attorney, called up two experts: Robert Vogel, a civil engineer and Jeffrey Straw, a vibration and acoustic consultant.
Oh and the experts shared why Siperko’s conditional use application for his go-kart race track should be approved, going over the standards under Howard County code, like noise and odors.
Vogel said the fumes released into the air by the track should not be an issue.
G. Macy Nelson, the lawyer representing Siperko’s neighbors, honed in on the environmental impact of the track.
“This is a paved track, over a dirt track maybe we would look at that, but this is a paved track,” he said.
He noted the existing track is on wetlands and that the track could potentially encroach on neighboring properties.
In response, civil engineer Vogel and Siperko’s lawyer Oh said they will be able to readjust. They said they have also been consulting with the Maryland Department of the Environment.
“In no event will we go bigger or radically different than what was approved,” Oh said. “The approval of a plan that varies in some way from what is approved by the board is what’s known as a minor modification.”
When neighbors took the stand to testify, they described hearing a number of loud noises from the track and echoed environmental concerns.
Joe Quill said he heard loud screeching noises.
“I believe that the quality of life for us and other neighbors will be diminished by the continued use of a race track,” he said.
More witnesses will be called at the next hearing on July 10.
The board is expected to make a decision then.
For the tracks to be approved, it must meet certain requirements, such as decibel level and low intensity.
Experts called to the stand believe the track will meet these conditions, but the question still remains if Siperko’s track will get the green light.
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