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Citizens have their say about proposed dirt race track
After hearing concerns ranging from noise to the potential impact on economic development, Fort Scott City Commissioners on Tuesday approved zoning changes for separate pieces of land in the south part of Fort Scott. One would be used for a proposed dirt motorcross and possibly ATV race track, and another to be used for a veterinary clinic.
Commissioners also approved a conditional use permit for operation of the race track on the land in question, however, the permit would still have to be drafted and issued, officials said. After hearing feedback from several citizens during the meeting, commissioners requested more time for the permit to be defined and to research details of the proposed race track.
The commission also heard presentations on the two proposed ventures from Nathan Wells, representing K.W. Cattle Company and Ward Kraft, Inc.
Commissioners heard comments from City Manager Dave Martin and Deputy Fire Chief Dave Bruner regarding the changes recommended and approved unanimously by the Fort Scott Planning Commission Jan. 3, as well as several people who voiced both sides of the issue, before voting. The planning commission had also approved the conditional use permit with the stipulation that it be reviewed yearly.
Before opening the matter up for public comment, Martin addressed the audience and thanked all for attending. He also asked for attendees to be respectful in their comments.
"This is open, transparent government," Martin said. "It's our job to encourage development and move forward ... All I'm asking is, once a decision is made, let's move forward."
Martin said the city works with the Bourbon County Economic Development Council (BEDCO) to try and sell and promote land in the Fort Scott Industrial Park. He also said he met with the Kansas Department of Commerce about "trying to make Fort Scott a regional attraction" and "these projects fit their view."
Bruner said there are three tracts of land totaling about 45 acres and located south of Jayhawk and Liberty Bell Roads where the dirt track would be located. Commissioners approved changing the zoning from agricultural to C-4 (central business district.) He said the land encompasses an area between the Christian Learning Center and Niece Products, "from Liberty Bell Road to U.S. 69."
Local attorney Charles Gentry, who said he was speaking on behalf of residents in the proposed area, asked about the zoning change for the land "in the midst of the industrial park."
He passed out maps of the proposed area for the track to commissioners and urged them to vote against rezoning and the conditional use permit.
"Is that an appropriate place for a C-4 district? The comprehensive plan says no," Gentry said. "That's (business district) downtown. I think this is totally inappropriate."