Kzoo Speedway, Township talk noise deal

ALAMO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The Kalamazoo Speedway owner and the Alamo Township supervisor have discussed a deal that would allow the track to keep operating despite a proposed noise ordinance that previously threatened it.

The proposed noise ordinance would ban any loud noise after 11 p.m. and ban noise louder than 82 decibels at all times. Kalamazoo Speedway owner Gary Howe said that would prohibit races at the track.

A meeting scheduled to take place two weeks ago didn't happen because the Alamo Township Hall was over-capacity. The meeting was rescheduled at a larger venue for Monday evening.

The controversy started last year because of a dispute between neighbors about noise from ATVs. The sound issue brought the Speedway into the mix.

Now, both sides are making concessions. Township Supervisor Lou Conti told 24 Hour News 8 the board will vote Monday to give the Speedway an exemption for one year, take decibel readings this season and make decisions from there.

"Not trying to shut them down. Just trying to tone it down," Conti told 24 Hour News 8 Sunday. "We want to take this summer to look at racing to see where they're at with these controls on their cars."

Howe said cars at the track will change this year, decreasing the sound they produce.

"We make some noise. We know that," said Howe. "Before anything's even been settled with the township, we've cut back on our days we're going to be practicing on the track as well as the mufflers on the tailpipes exiting underneath the car instead of outside the right side of the car."

The township board meeting has been rescheduled for Monday at the Alamo Center Elementary School, 8184 N. Sixth Street in Alamo Township. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7 p.m.