COMMISSIONERS HEAR PUBLIC CONCERNS ON PROPOSED CHAPPELL HILL RACETRACK
An overflow, standing room only crowd at the Washington County Courthouse Annex came to a public hearing for the proposed Chappell Hill Racetrack, which was part of the Washington County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday morning.
John Durrenberger, serving as spokesman for the group, spoke of his opposition to the racetrack, with noise being the biggest concern.
Durrenberger also read letters from State and County officials of their opposition, such as Washington county Sheriff Otto Hanak, who was present, and letters from Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Pleasant Farms Homeowner’s Association, the Margaret Austin Healing Center, and the Chappell Hill Property Owner’s Association.
“Early immigrants came to Washington County for the fertile lands and the quality of life that they were able to experience and enjoy. This led to progress and growth in the entire county. New immigrants have come here for the same reason, Quality of Life! They have joined our civic organizations, churches, and fire departments. They added a great deal to our social fabric. Just look at the membership and officers of the Maifest Association, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Chappell Hill Chamber of Commerce, all of the fire departments throughout the County, the various historical societies - all have many volunteers who could be classified as new immigrants. The point being is that they moved to our county not only to enjoy our quality of life but to contribute and add to that quality of life. I do not see that this developer will contribute or add to our quality of life. We simply want assistance from our county elected officials to use any tools in their toolbox whether it be through the county attorney’s office or identifying a possible course of action they can help us prevent this racetrack that will only destroy our peaceful county,”
Durrenberger reminded those in attendance that this was not just a Chappell Hill issue, it was a Washington County issue, and if the racetrack were to be allowed, “what’s next?”
He also encouraged residents to speak with the county attorney on what could be done, and reminded the commissioners that “each of you were elected and have confidence in your judgement."
During the public session time, the crowd became contentious when several persons in the audience asked the Commissioners what they were going to do to help stop the race track.
The commissioners noted their opposition to the racetrack, but Commissioner Luther Hueske noted that he didn’t believe there was a whole lot the commissioners could do.
Several members of the Chappell Hill community expressed their displeasure at Hueske’s comments, saying that they should do the job they were elected to do.
The meeting and hearing were then abruptly adjourned, much to the chagrin of the audience, many reminding the commissioners of the “next election.”
For more information, visit www.noracetrack.org for additional information.
Visiting Judge J.D. Langly l will preside over the hearing on Wednesday May 27, at 10 a.m. in the Washington County courthouse in Brenham.
My question to the residents of Chappell Hill is has anyone actually taken a decibel meter out to a race track of a similar nature and done tests at the 1/2, 1 and 1-1/2 mile radius?
Never do hear anyone say they have done one, just “It’s loud.”
I guess my reasoning is I remember going to the meeting when they did the Wonder Hill discussion and the owner of the race track did present evidence that supported his claims, including a decibel reading.
By doing one of these yourselves, you’d have more compelling evidence to get people to stop construction in the area instead of more of the mantra “their land, their right to do what they want with it” (providing of course it’s not specified in the deed they can’t use it in a certain way).
As it stands, as much as you don’t like the idea, the track owner does have the right to use the property the way they want to.
I live less than 1/2 a mile from said proposed racetrack. We are finishing up building our home on our family land that we have had for 40 years. The last thing I wanna hear every weekend is the sound of racecars. We built this house here for the peace and quite of the country. Looks like a LOT of money and time wasted if this goes through!!!
If you are a 1/2 from the property,then you are already a 1/2 mile from a super speedway also known as Hwy 290 which wii only increase in traffic and NOISE, and Chappell Hill works continuously to devert to Chappell Hill and the countryside. Quality of life indeed!
HOW CAN PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT TRAFFIC IN CHAPPELL HILL? YOU HAVE LIKE 100 RESIDENTS THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED IN THAT AREA……THATS LIKE TRYING TO SHUT DOWN HEB IF U LIVE ON DAY ST IN BRENHAM BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC IT CAUSES….GET OVER IT …. NO ONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL SOME ONE WHAT HE CAN DO ON HIS OWN PROPERTY…..
JOE BLOW
I guess Chappell Hill was a ghost town during yesterday’s meeting if you feel that there is only a 100 residents that’s going to be impacted cause there were more than that at the meeting.
I do not think it is right for someone to tell someone else what they can do on their own property UNLESS if it effects their neighbors peace and way of life. And this track will DEFINITELY impact the people who live around it. Even those of us who live from 2-4 miles away will be hearing it. And the people who have to live right next to it, well, for SURE it will effect them. The track is only 1.5 miles from the center of Chappell HIll. How is it fair to the residents that they will have to listen to this track? Most of us who live here LOVE being out in our yards, away from the traffic and noise of a city. That’s why we moved here. Why not put the track in a place that ALREADY has some noise impacting the area….such as a city?? Brenham might love it. But we in Chappell HIll do not want it.
So according to your logic, Chappell Hill hysterical Society should immediately cease any and all festivals because it affects the quality of life of their neighbors. Yes, let’s go forward with this.
If the Chappell Hill Groupies were really interested in maintaining the quality of life in Washington county then perhaps they would want to elimate these so called Festivals that bring these hoardes that block roads transpass on your property, rude and crude. But brings Buckets full of money to the Chappell Hill Groupies.
I’ve lived here all my life and don’t care much for all the traffic that comes with the festivals or the tourist that cause traffic jams because of the flowers and trespass on to properties to take pics. But the festivals are only twice a year and the flowers only last so long. The race track will hold races 46 out of the 52 weekends a year. So the traffic in Chappell hill will be horrible just like the 2 weekends of festivals.
I’m sure the track would bring money into Washington County but is it going to be enough to cover all the expenses that it also is going to bring with it. the track is going to need security, ems, fire and I’m sure several other things that are going to be at the expense of the tax payers.
I feel the same as John durrenberg this is not just a Chappell Hill issue its going to affect the whole county.
You have voiced several concerns and I wanted to address them. First the average event has 300 total including staff, drivers, coaches etc so frankly this will not represent a traffic issue of any magnitude compared to the 15,000 at the festival.
However this smal number of people contribute considerably to the county. According to surveys 85% stay in local hotels spending an average of 297.00 per person.
More than 60% eat two or meals in town with an average budget of 42.
Per person daily In town expenditures not including gas, hotels or food are 67.00 while average gas use is 40 gallons.
Less than 3% have RV type trailers.
More than 85% of the cars on track are street legal and many are daily drivers.
Sound restrictions are in place insuring that at no time ever will the sound levels at the fence line even reach the state mandated Db claimed in the lawsuit. We are pleased with this level mentioned by the litigants as it is easily met.
The track has its own EMS,Fire Department, and security utilizing off duty Washington County professionals providing valuable extra compensation to these Heros.
Much has been made out of someone else’s claims that we ever said races 46 weekends a year. In fact 10-12 weekends a year are races, club level without fans. The remainder of the time the track is a drivers education facility.
The track immediately create 19 FTE jobs and an estimated 9.4 million annually in economic impact.
It really funny how the numbers are always changing. From 46 races down to 10-12 per year. But yet it’s still going to pump the same amount of revenue in to the local economy of 9.4 million a year.
It amazes me a silver tongue devil can can paint such a picture to cloud the minds of our elected officials with dollar signs. That are very unlikely to happen. Then us tax payers are stuck with the bill. Like I have always been told “If it sounds to good to be true it most likely is”
I say take your sales pitch and track else where!!!!’
I’m sorry if my words were not clear we will have races 10-12 weekends per year the rest as I said above are drivers education events on the track. This is and always has been the schedule and is what economic impact is based on. So we are booked 44 weekends as of now primarily drivers education
Thank You Sir, For your feedback. I believe that a lot of people ( not all) are basing their opinions on “Here say” and rumors, and “What if” thank you for sheading some light on what this track will really be like. I lived near ( within 3 miles of the college station track ) and I must say I never had any issues with noise. Sounds like the track will be valuable as income provider for people looking for jobs as well as extra income for First responders ( Ems, Fire dept etc…) Thank you again for your input into what I am sure will be a controversial topic for a long time.
K H
The picture you are seeing is no Mona Lisa. I’d suggest you go check out some of Schmidt previous post on their site.
When this all came about the Mel acres property first was going to have garage condos rv hook ups and so forth in the first phase then the next phase was going to build homes and resturant on the remainder of the land. at that time it was said to pump 9.4 million into the local economy. And that’s not “hear say” that what he posted on BRC site along with their Facebook page.
Now fast forward a lil bit now they are claiming to just build a track in the middle of the 450acres and leave the rest in a park like atmosphere. But yet still claiming to pump 9.4 million in to the local economy. That seems a lil fishey to me.
Thank you for lisitening. It’s beyond me why some are looking for conspiracy in every word. We have always planed for multiple phases and ultimately if things go well will have everything 1155 mentioned and others. 500 acres is simply phase one with an additional 700 in phase two and possibly another 800 acres in phases three and four. Fully developed the project would add much more than we have ever spoken of in the way of jobs, quality new residents, retirement communities, walking and equestrian trails and stables. The opportunity for carefully designed growth and a true village concept with the track as the centerpiece is our long term goal.
As a staunch conservative, I do not believe that it is the government’s responsibility to intervene on this matter. Not the city, county, state, or the federal government should determine what one can do on private property (if it is moral and legal). All of these people up in arms about this issue should remember it the next time they stand up in public forum on a matter of politics stating that the big old nasty government should stay out of our lives… Shameful that our elected officials are wasting their time on this matter. Especially when a business that means so incredibly much to our community is going through one of the worst struggles of its existence. Not proud to be a member of the same community as these people.
Agreed! & The younger population needs something to help them enjoy this city more, I see jobs $ for the county, & a safe place for those that like racing. We need to give younger residents a reason to want to stay in Brenham
From what I am understanding, this race track will only raise the tax base, not contribute more than a couple of jobs and not be open to the public. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I do not see it benefiting the county in any way other than the fact that it will be paying taxes on it’s facility.
County Resident,
Only paying taxes on its facility? Think about the weekly visitors to the track. The visitors will travel from out of town, eat in our restaurants, stay in our hotels, and therefore increase revenue for our county, Chapell Hill and the City of Brenham. I agree with Josh, government should not be allowed to tell a property owner what they can and cannot do with private property. I am a supporter of this track coming to Washington County and think the benefits will out weigh the opposition from a few landowners.
Also, in my opinion, this meeting in front of the county commissioners should have never occurred. The county commissioners are not allowed to restrict an individual’s rights to his/her private property.
I’m still up in the air on the issue, but I do think I read in one of the past KWHI write-ups that the property will be outfitted with RV hookups. So, the people who want to race at the private track will be staying there. That means they won’t be throwing much business, if any, towards the hotels. Most likely, the RV’s are fitted with kitchens, so there goes the revenue to the restaurants. I’m sure there will be trips to Wal Mart for junk food and beverage, but that might be brought along, too. So, there might be less revenue opportunity than some think.
The noise will still travel. It won’t be as bad if the track is smack in the middle of the property. Lord help the neighbors if it’s close to the property line. But, even from the center, it’s going to travel. Especially on those exceptionally still, clear nights. Us bumpkins know how well noise travels in the country. I don’t envy the residents if the track goes through. Though, I’m still not sure there’s anything they can do about it.
In past articles, it was stated that it would be a self contained facility-it’s own motel, restaurant and the likes. Not sure if that is true or not, but if it is, what benefit will it have other than perhaps hiring a few people from our area? I do not agree with telling a landowner what can and can not be put on their land, but the other land owners should have some kind of say if it is going to change their way of life either good or bad. I remember going to a meeting as a teenager when PI Components was buying their piece of property. We all voiced our worries and concerns, and as you can see, it was to no avail, so from then on, as I looked out my back door or kitchen window, my view was obstructed by a huge building and now a huge building and a parking lot. It could be worse, but it could be so much better too! There is no easy fix to this problem. I for one do not want a race track in my county, but once it is built, it can not be un-built and the damage will be done. I am not sure how many people in the community will actually get to enjoy it-I’m sure it will only be a select few!
County Resident
The track immediately creates 19 jobs and with time if our plans are fully realized this number could grow substantially.
The track is open to the public not as a massive fan based bleachers full racetrack but as an educational center, a great place to spend the day as a family. We open our doors to anyone with a safe car that wants to learn to drive better, safer and faster. The track will be available for charity events and we hole to gain the support of the local historical commission and host old fashioned hay rides, picnics and Fourth of July celebrations in a safe family environment.
Our track is open free of charge to local first responders for training allowing these organizations to improve response times by practicing on a course that’s designed to look and feel like a county road. The second they learn to save here may save lives.
The individuals who visit the facility will be staying in local hotels, eating at restaurants, filling their tanks and shopping locally.
So with all due respect we will offer much to the community.
No doubt much of the opposition is comprised of the same political party that always wants less government interference in the lives of citizens. Ironically, that is just what they are asking of our county commissioners!! Note to our commissioners and county judge, true citizens will elect you no matter how much money these deep pockets provide in campaign funds. Remember, they expect you to comply because of their contributions. Run on your record, serve all the same and remind citizens of their constitutional rights, which are about more than just firearms!
This is “not in my yard” politics, you should try googling it and seeing that both political parties have been guilty of this for decades… You run the risk of making yourself look ignorant when you compare these people’s desperate attempt to look out for their own interests (perfectly normal) to party wide hypocrisy. I am a conservative, and I oppose government intervention into this issue as do many people who look at this from an unbiased government perspective.
The division, sub division, and revision of Washington County from family farms to family getaways and playgrounds has created more noise and pollution than this proposed race track is capable of. Opposition to this track comes for the most part from urbanites who have chosen our once quiet and peaceful area to retire, or just getaway . The same people should look at what they have done to the serenity of this area, with their five car families, flying up and down our county roads.They purchase a 10 acre ranch and run four wheelers on their property and on hundreds of acres of their neighbors property at all hours of the day and night, without any regard to noise or property damage . I say build the track , build it fast, and build it grand!!
Thumbs up!
I totally agree! I too have lived the “farm life” in Washington County all my life. When the 1000 acre ranch came up for sale across the road and ‘out-of-towners” bought it, did they put livestock, horses, goats, etc. on it? NO. They have loud parties every weekend, ride 4-wheelers at 1AM, and drive down the county road throwing empty beer bottles in your pasture/yard. Oh, and the 1 time they “tried” to make hay, they cut it, then baled it. Guess it didn’t need to be raked, right! When driving down the road, do they see the ‘children at play’ sign? NO!! Do they make any attempts to slow down? NO!! Well, guess we better not jog or walk on the road then.
My peaceful 500 acre-5 generation family homestead is not so peaceful anymore. Did I sue? NO. Why? Because that’s why its called ‘LIVING OUT IN THE COUNTRY”. I’m sorry, but Washington County has more problems than a Chappell Hill race track. Build it…Build it as fast as you can!!! Hopefully, for once, all the do-gooders and name-sayers won’t get their way!!
[Quote\]Next the meeting was ended abruptly due to John Brieden moving on with out even hearing community concerns. Really made you look good John Brieden. The people you would not listen to are the ones who put you where you are, and also their tax dollars pay your salary.[/Unquote]
I can’t believe this type of remark is being made to an elected official. Are the people of CH really that much more privileged than others anywhere else?
[Quote\] Brieden also stated that he felt that there was not much opposition towards the racetrack. Wow really, that tells you how much he pays attention to his community. There are more signs around Chappell Hill opposing the racetrack than there were supporting him for election. Wonder if he can see how much opposition people in the community have to vote for him again.[/Unquote]
That blows me away. Remember the old adage “Flattery will get you nowhere”
Maybe it’s me, but I’m getting the vibe like “Serve Me!” or we won’t elect you again. That’s called a “Veiled Threat” Please do your own research, get an idea of what your rights are and/or not before making threats against elected officials. Things don’t always go our way, that’s called life, and along with life comes an occasional disappointment. Thanks.
Richard
I don’t think that the racetrack can bring anymore traffic than the Chappell Hill Festivals which bring in massive traffic and benifit only the business at the expense of everyone else. The racetrack visitors will come to go to the racetrack and go home. they will not be driving their race cars illegally onto properties, cllimbing fences, slamming on their brakes because they may have spotted a flower as the Chappell Hill Festival tourist so often do , time after time. The only reason Chappell Hill is upset about the racetrack is that they are getting nothing out of it. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Liz: You are 100% correct! I’m excited about more commerce and a rising tax base. This has the potential of adding tons of extra $$$$$$ to Washington County, and that’s a good thing!! I think I’ll build a Cafe and a B&B now before it costs me waaayyy more later! Thanks:
Richard
First of all, “For every action, there’s a reaction” We all heard the reaction, which imho is just that a reaction. No legal footing that I can resource. If the people think they can make up the rules as they go along, they’re sorely mistaken. It just doesn’t work that way. I looked around that room in the courthouse this morning and made an inmediate observation that mosts of the folks there were in my age group. Only thing is, I believe they all must have waaayyy yonder more $$$$$$ than I ever will. If I were them, I wouldn’t waste it. If the land owners want to get an idea of just exactly how loud that track would be, take a week end trip to the Cotton World speedway on the Lee-Bastrop line on HWY 290 East and bring a decible meter, and have some facts instead of rhetoric to present to the County Attorney, or whom ever.
As to Mr. Luther Hueske’s comments, he’s obviously ran his traps. I understand no one liked his comments, but he was being truthful. I’m glad no one objected to the Brenham Airport way back when, aren’t you?
I gotta tell ya, a Pilgrim Turkey farm would put that race track into perspective, real quick. Has any one here ever smelled one of those?? I’ve drilled many a well near Shiner, Texas where there are a lot of these “Grow Houses” It was all we could do to work our 12 hours without gagging. Smoke that one over.
Richard
First I would like to thank Mr. John Durrenberger for his awesome job of his presentation, and also everyone who showed up in support of opposition of the race track.
Next the meeting was ended abruptly due to John Brieden moving on with out even hearing community concerns. Really made you look good John Brieden. The people you would not listen to are the ones who put you where you are, and also their tax dollars pay your salary.
Brieden also stated that he felt that there was not much opposition towards the racetrack. Wow really, that tells you how much he pays attention to his community. There are more signs around Chappell Hill opposing the racetrack than there were supporting him for election. Wonder if he can see how much opposition people in the community have to vote for him again.
I do not know ANYONE living in Chappell HIll who is in favor of the track.