To the Editor: Racetrack’s permit should be denied

Race Em R/C has applied for a special-use permit for an off-road RC racetrack. These Nitromethane engines used for R/C models can turn in excess of 35,000 RPM and are very loud (35db at 30 feet). They plan to race up to 10 cars at a time (and practice even more at one time) on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. as well as two days per week. They plan to use a portable generator-powered loudspeaker system that will be run while races are in progress as to announce lead changes and race statistics. Illinois noise pollution standards have requirements that this proposed development will not be able to meet even with noise abatement berms installed. This being said, we feel that this development is detrimental to the public health, comfort and general welfare. The permit will be for up to 200 people, for which only Port-O-Lets will be used. The site also proposes no pavement, which would severely limit ADA accessibility. We feel that this special use will be injurious to the use and enjoyment of our property for the purposes already permitted, and that it will substantially diminish and impair property values within the neighborhood.

Richard F. Gerdeman III, P.E.

Principal

Forest City Engineering, LLC

Rockford

From the Oct. 6-12, 2010 issue

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