Posts
131
Joined
11/1/2013
Location
Kalamazoo, MI
US
Edited Date/Time
11/10/2014 6:07pm
A military friend of mine just built this track in lower Michigan for his young son. He brought in a crew from California to build this on his land. He had previously talked to the township board telling them of his plans, which they understood and were OK with. All was well, until 1 neighbor complained about noise before anyone even had a chance to ride. Needless to say a town hall meeting has been placed to have the track torn down and the land be put back to "original form." Knowing how the moto community is, and that we support one another; we are asking for support at this meeting from anyone within this township and riders in the surrounding Michigan area. (Schoolcraft MI). The town hall meeting has been set for NOV 10th and we want to pack the room full! All forms of support are welcome; your property is your property, and you should be able to do what you please.
Thank you!
The Shop
Be there if you can but remember to be respectful. Don't show up in full moto gear hooting and hollering. That isn't going to be of any help.
Even if the later is correct!
(Steps of soapbox)
Could you work that into a defense?
How can you fail this sound test when it hasn't been ridden? Is there some kind of counter suit you could launch Along the lines of harassment?
You could also use up a lot of the towns resources. Possibly an approach like that could have them view your side more favourably?
This track is also across the road from a corn field. A tractor is running a lot longer and louder than a couple bikes on a track. Are these both not normal noises in the country?
Soil and Erosion permit in hand...our sport is "dying" as a result of our inability to bring the sport to life in the public eye...we (my son and the sport) was classified as "abnormal" recreational activity and thus is not an authorized "accessory use" of our property...14.2 acres of God's green earth.
Visit my facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/curtis.j.allen to view photos and show your support for property rights, the sport of motocross...and ultimately, our 11 year old son, Trevor Allen.
Pit Row
My buddy got into it with his neighbor, ended up putting quite a few hogs in a fenced in area along the property line.
It was bad. . . hahaha
To get the attention of the "Tree Huggers" let the folks know "The Plan is" to have Boy Scout camps, School camps, Halloween maze and such. Use your imagination as to what things per season can be run to "Help the area economic status"
Go on saying your not here to create hardship on nearby neighbors rather create a safe harbor for youngsters to go and become part of something that may intrigue them to do more with their life than just Video games, Pop and chips.
Good Luck, Your going to need it.....One friggen Ornery Neighbor can end a ship from sailin but if you win the town over then your the next Mayor
Approaching this reasonable and hoping to reach some type of compromise won't work. Our neighboring property owner requested a meeting with us and our attorneys saying they hoped to reach a "Reasonable compromise". Our issue is we're open 2 to 3 days a month, there was nothing more I could compromise. Not that compromising would have done any good, all they really wanted to do was tell us what horrible people we are. I've made the statement before that maybe I should have started out by putting up lights and running 7 days a week, then we could have compromised to where we're at now.
The noise just happens to be the issue that they feel will help them win their case, the reality is they just don't like the idea of what you're doing.
Saying the track was used as part of our income and not private actually seems to help. A judge is more likely to put an injuction against someone participating in their hobby than they are them making a living.
Our property was out of city limits, unzoned, and next to several businesses you would consider loud or eye sores. Paintball field, concert arena, and junk yard.
We've had petty small claims suits filed against us, all which we've won.
Our one problem neighbor actually somewhat threw in the flag and made the statement "I'd be willing to buy the damn thing to make it go away". A deal was negotiated and contracts were signed. We were never paid and are open to this day. Now the tables have been turned and they will be getting papers any day for a breach of contract suit.
I found the peoples web page that were suing us, They have a business related to Friesan horses. Her Bio on the page mentions how she had been involved with these horses since she was 5 years old and how much she loves passing on her hobby to the next generation. This is pretty much my exact story, just revolving around motorcycles. I would think someone could have some respect for that situation but that's just not how it is.
Can you call the AMA, they're for fighting for our rights and places to ride. Possibly they could offer assistance? (Might be a long shot, but I would call them) Would be excellent if a few AMA representatives showed up at that town hall meeting to explain the benefits of having a riding facility in their area.
Keep in mind the track has been there since the 1970s.
Noise was the complaint.
And this was back in the 2stroke days when bikes were quiet compared to 4 strokes.
Good Luck Curtis.
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