Open Forum

These comments are about the proposed motocross track, sales and service business south of Brainerd. My main concern is the sales and service part; to me that means test riders anytime and practice days and nights with no control over the amount of time this track would be used. I believe Craig Johnson runs a first class operation; I have worked with him in the past on the track at the fairgrounds and believe he will continue to be a benefit to the young people with motorcycles, four-wheelers and snowmobiles. I just don't believe that this is the correct location for his facility. A check with the Crow Wing Township Planning Commission will show that this entire area is proposed for ag or rural residential use for current and long range planning. This area already has substantial new residential growth, and it shows no sign of slowing down. This property has never been recommended for commercial growth by the township planning commission. I am not anti-family nor anti-kids nor do I believe these families will have no place to go if this location is not approved. A program and a location already exist, and as far as I know, they are not in jeopardy. If a new facility is to be built, I suggest it be built in an area already zoned commercial or industrial; it would be far more fitting there, than on an open field in the middle of an already residential area.

Don and Carol Wermter

Brainerd

Address the issue

Address the issue. To date, the testimonials at the "motocross" meetings and in the "Open Forum" have not addressed the fundamental issue! A conditional use permit has been requested, and its issuance is subject to the County Zoning Ordinance and the Crow Wing Township Comprehensive Plan, as well as other laws and regulations.

The Crow Wing County Planning Commission, and those present at the Sept 12 meeting sat through hours of personal anecdotes about fun family bonding and early childhood motor skill development up to and including a child who learned how to read because he was motivated to identify racing vehicles!!

Address the issue. Residents of the township have a comprehensive plan designed for orderly development, appropriate land use and maintaining a quiet rural area. As to the statement that other residents did not attend, it is due to the confidence placed in our elected and appointed officials to carry out the laws (and work for the good of the entire community). I do not feel a need to attend court sessions to verify that the judge will uphold the laws.

The request for the conditional use permit for motocross activities does not fit the criteria for the comprehensive plan, and county zoning does not allow it in the area under consideration.

It is expected that the planning commission members take their responsibility seriously and only consider the applicable facts while disregarding the irrelevant testimony. The commission should be making a decision within the zoning regulations and growth guidelines supported by the majority of citizens through the comprehensive plan.

Address the issue.

Jan Kurtz

Fort Ripley