Noise ordinance may threaten speedway

ALAMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - Residents in Alamo Township are concerned that a proposed noise ordinance may force the Kalamazoo Speedway to shut down.

The speedway has been open for 64 years. Monday evening, the township board was supposed to make a decision affecting its future -- but so many people showed up in support of the speedway that the township hall was over capacity, and officials had to cancel and reschedule the meeting.

The proposed noise ordinance would ban any loud noise after 11 p.m. and ban noise louder than 82 decibels at all times.

Resident Ryan Bishop can see the speedway from his front yard and knew full well what he what he was in for when he moved in.

"These guys put on a heck of a fireworks show. It's one of the best ones around, and my kids enjoy it and look forward to it, and enjoy the races from time to time,' said Bishop.

Bishop and others say the noise they don't like is coming from other sources like teenagers zipping around the neighborhood in ATVs at all times of day and night.

The board supervisor says the ordinance issue came about 14 months ago in response to neighbor disputes. But upon further investigation into the matter, township officials found the speedway was already in violation of existing codes and 32 races a year was too much for some residents to bear.  

"One gentleman built a soundproof room that he puts his family in during a race," said Township Supervisor Lou Conti.

Speedway owner Gary Howe says the races are vital to the community and help keep area businesses like the nearby McDonald's restaurant and a gas station afloat. He is asking the board for a special exemption.

"I would like to do the special-use permit first before this ordinance passes. Once the ordinance passes, we're kind of stuck," said Howe.

The proposed noise ordinance limits decibel levels at 82 decibels, and with the track operating at 85, the supervisor says Howe will have to restrict loud muffler races to work things out.

"We want Gary to survive, we want him to prosper. We just want to tone it down," said Conti.

The township board meeting has been rescheduled for Feb. 25, 2013 at the Alamo Center Elementary School located at 8184 North 6th Street in Kalamazoo. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.