CONCERNED RESIDENTS SPEAK AT TRACK FORUM
About 300 Washington County residents showed up at a community forum Wednesday evening to hear questions and comments about the Tax Phase-In Incentive for the proposed recreational track on Wonder Hill Road. The crowd filled the VIP room at the Fair Grounds. The County Commissioners had moved the public hearing there after an overflow crowd filled their chambers at a meeting on August 19th.
Charles Von Schmidt representing Club Track Holdings began the meeting by saying that he was withdrawing the request for the Tax Phase-In.
He went on with the meeting in an attempt to meet some of the concerns of the residents of the Wonder Hill area. Von Schmidt reviewed the plans for the track and offered to make deed restrictions for sound levels and sell a small portion of the property to the County so they could enforce them.
What followed was almost 3 hours of questions and concerns from a crowd that was overwhelmingly opposed to the track. Their concerns ranged from noise and traffic issues to the effect on livestock and wildlife in the area. Most commented that they lived in the area because it is a quiet, rural countryside and that a race track would disrupt that. Resident Mike Beggs said he had doubts about the deed restriction offer:
One of the final speakers at the forum, Bill Sidwell, stated that he had learned that there is a high pressure gas pipeline that runs under the property. He said that he confirmed that the pipeline company would prohibit any construction in their right of way. Von Schmidt said he was not aware of this and appeared surprised by this development.
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My wife and I have not lived here for 50, 60, or 70 years, and we are not 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation land owners here like several of our neighbors are, but we have been here for more than a quarter of a century, so I can at least speak of this travesty with that much love for for the community. We moved here from the city in an effort to find peace, and quiet, to find safety, and security, to find a good wholesome neighborhood where we can safely participate, and worship with our neighbors, and where we can actually even know our neighbors. Quite often when strangers move into a small town community there is always the risk of being an outsider for ever. In the Wonder Hill community we have never been treated, nor have we ever felt like outsiders. All the surrounding neighbors gave us a welcome party just so they could meet us, and we could meet them. The people in this community are some of the finest people anyone could possibly meet. And they deserve better than this. If this stranger (C.V.S.) wants to come in here to build his home, raise his children, play with his grandchildren, and basically become part of the fabric of this community. I think he would be as welcome here as many others who have moved here, but when this stranger wants to come in here, rape this community, and have the gall to think he could actually live among us. He has got to be an absolute fool. He would not ever be considered anything other than an outsider, and I don’t believe he, or his racetrack would survive. The community would just be left with an ugly scar. He claims that he has no intention of building a hotel, or convenience store on his property, but when the surrounding neighbors have finally had enough, and are forced to sell out. The only market for their property would be commercial, or industrial buyers, and they will build the hotels, convenience stores, and gas stations. A person would have to be a fool to buy property next door to a racetrack in order to raise their family, or to raise cattle. My family and I have lived in a dozen, or more states in the last 50 years due to my career, and I’ve seen time after time where people with agendas like this or similar come into a small town community, and completely destroy it whether intentional or not. This community as we know it today would be forever changed by this project, and it most certainly would not be changed for the better. We have stated several effects, and possible results of having this nightmare move forward in our community, and I can’t think of one that would be positive. This community, and the wonderful people in it deserve more.
I have watched the You Tube videos of these cars on the track. The sound of tires “squealing” is as bad as the engine noise and I do not hear that sound coming from Hwy 290. Nobody is talking about the tire noise. Fingernails on a chalk board.
Mr. Von Schmidt commented in the meeting there would be a problem with north east corner of the property. WE LIVE DIRECTLY ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE PROPOSED track., So does two (2) of my sons and their families ( which includes 3 children, ages 4 thru 11) Also mr Von Schmidt stated he was planning to live on the property, if you look at the diagram of the track, the house is located in the middle of the track. Is he going to drive over the track to get to the house, then he stated he’d be hauling his car in a trailer and would hook up to the electrical outlets. Which is it? I agree with the earlier statement about too many statements made that we’re contradicting.
A human voice is 42 dB at 24 feet away. I can hear my neighbor talking 200 yards away (lower dB) and you believe no one will be able to hear these cars? Ludicrous!!
I apologize. I didn’t mention that I do have a car I intend to take on the track, I am a local resident and no I’m not a “fat cat” or any other kind of boogie man. I intend to join the SCCA so that I can drive on the track. It’s no different than joining a gym so that you can lift weights.
I would like to make one last statement. The meeting Wednesday night was to address the tax abatement and the tax abatement only. The minute Mr. Von Schmidt removed his request for a tax abatement, the meeting should been over. How that meeting morphed into a 3 hour long beat down is one part Mr. Von Schmidt’s fault and one part Judge Brieden’s fault. Mr. Von Schmidt should have notified someone (maybe Judge Brieden? ) that they were withdrawing their request for a tax abatement before the meeting. At that point, there would have been no need for the meeting. However, judge Brieden has some fault for allowing a meeting based on tax abatement to evolve into a witch hunt / public execution. On second thought, Judge Brieden would have probably had a riot on his hands had he closed the meeting.
Jeff-not-from-WonderHill:
“I have a car I intend to take on the track”.
That explains a lot really. No other comments required.
Jeff-not-from-WonderHill,
I have my doubts you live here, or anywhere close to Brenham. Most locals are familiar with Hwy 290, not I-290.
Andrew,
I can’t believe I’m responding to your statements.
I live here and I have a car I intend to take to the track. *gasp*
I also sometime refer to soda as “pop” and sometime refer to motors as “engines”. I’m a way out and wacky guy.
No, Jeff … I attended the 8/19 commissioner’s court meeting — where they determined we needed to have a “public forum” — the meeting on 9/3 was arranged by commissioners and Judge Brieden to allow Mr. Von Schmidt to make his presentations — and allow the public to ask as many questions as necessary, and have as much time as needed to do so.
I have a question for you, “Do you know the type of car(s) that will be run there? 1/4 mile cars? Dirt Track cars? What type of exaust will those cars have? If you don’t know the answer to any of these questions, then you are not qualified to even voice opinion about noise yet. If he decides to build a road course, the cars will have exaust and be as quite as your own car you drive.
Richard (and anyone else without a Washington County zip code)
I think you are just a pot stirrer and nothing else. But to your point, of course we know the types of cars that will be raced on the course. We have a vested interest in his project as it directly impacts our property and our pursuit of happiness. As it was stated in the meeting, this is his hobby and this is our life.
Mr. Von Schmidt races both a Porsche Boxter and a super-tuned Porsche GT2. The other members of the private car club will be bringing like tuned cars of other makes and models. There is a distinct difference between a car being driven on the highway at highway speeds and a car that is driven on a road course while dumping throttles through turns, rapid acceleration out of the turn and through the straights, over and over again all day long. But of course, I eagerly await your professional opinion and insight as to your experience with your own road course and race car. Other than that, do you have anything meaningful to add to the conversation?
Richard, you are not qualified to comment as to what is going on here, because you don’t live here. Concern yourself with what’s going on in your own backyard, and we’ll take care of ours. Yep, that’s right.
I’ve said this once prior, if you people are so up tight about this race track, make the man an offer and buy it yourselves. There’s no sense in making a mountain out of a mole hill. Heck, I might buy the acreage myself and start an alligator farm. I just betcha, if the developer was a local person, they’d be welcomed with open arms.
If you attended the meeting and were paying attention through all three hours than I am sure you would have noted the numerous times he contradicted himself. No matter how obscure the question he had a ready, glib answer. Moreover, he has yet to provide copies of his “research” and “studies” to anyone. He was asked if he would be willing to submit his “data” to an independent third-party for review, he declined. The numbers he provided don’t make sense either.
If you were listening carefully he also said that the proposed deed restrictions would go into effect “before construction begins”. In other words NOT at the closing of the sale of the property. Once he goes to closing, he doesn’t have to do ANYTHING as he will own it.
Do you really believe that this facility will be all things to all people (as he described)? I think not. We all should know better.
I attended the meeting on Wednesday night. It’s pretty clear that most of the worries batted about previous to the meeting are unfounded. However, many members of our community had already made up their minds before the presentation from Mr. Von Schmidt. That’s too bad. I believe Mr. Von Schmidt’s presentation, including the withdrawal of the tax abatement, showed good faith by Club Track Holding. Noise won’t be an issue, traffic won’t be an issue, tax abatements won’t be an issue, night track activities won’t be an issue, they’ll be a financially positive asset for the community, their facility will be open to the public, track activities will take place between 8am and 6pm, and they’re offering to make the track and staff available for training our first responders (police, EMS, and Fire Dept.)
So, that begs the question, what is the issue???
I for one, am for the track. In addition, I look forward to track days with my family in attendance.
Clearly Jeff is not very familiar with Wonder Hill Rd. The width of this county road, the blind hills, access to 290 are EXTREMELY poor for vehicles with trailers. When two trailers pass one of the two must drive into the grass in order to pass safely. This road would need to be widened and a light probably added at 290, all expenses that are not in current budgets.
Noise won’t be an issue??? Are you kidding me? The LA10 standard of 75 decibels they indicate to maintain, means that for no more than 10% of the time can they exceed that level. On this scale and by this standard they can theoretically have noises without a top limit as long as the duration allows the average not to exceed 75 decibel average. With work hours from 8 – 6, 10% of a 10 hour day would mean for up to an hour they can exceed this. An hour of silence and an hour of 150 decibels averages the 75 decibels on an LA50 scale.
Many of the residents in this area have put everything they have into their properties to be able to live in the country. Some of us have moved from the big city to get away from the noise and the traffic. Washington County is a destination place BECAUSE it is quiet, peaceful, and has a country feel to it. Why should we sacrifice everything we have put into this for what has been clearly defined as a rich persons hobby? The added threat of fire during burn bans, the impact on the wildlife in this area, the loss of property value, the negatives just continue to stack up.
I’m glad the issue with the high pressure gas line has come to light. I expect many additional issues will arise once some actual due diligence takes place. Items such as waste water runoff, potential wetlands impact, environmental impacts, agencies such as the EPA, TCEQ, etc. may have comments and concerns as well once they are made aware of the proposed private development.
The residents of Wonder Hill Rd. understand Brenham and Washington County are going to grow. We want it to do so in a responsible manner that maintains the quality of life that residents of Washington County currently enjoy. Just think, if Brenham were to double within the next 20 to 25 years, this private race track could potentially be immediately adjacent to a school, a hospital, a park or other public use facility. It practically backs up to the Brenham State School right now. We need our community leaders and elected officials to represent the constituents and be planning for this growth.
“Wouldn’t it be great to have a private race track right in town?”……said no one in the future ever.
“Clearly Jeff is not very familiar with Wonder Hill Rd.”
You should call me a “BOB” while you’re at it.
Unlike your post, I will be happy to point out where I think you’re right. Not just where I think you’re wrong. An honest and rational discussion deserves that. I am familiar with Wonder Hill Rd. There is only one hill, upon entering Wonder Hill Rd., that could be considered a true blind spot. Yes, I agree, that on rare occasion could be an issue. I also agree the Wonder Hill Rd. crossing at I-290 isn’t good. However, in my opinion, that crossing has always been an issue as have all the crossings that require navigating directly across I-290 without the benefit of an overpass/underpass. Are you going to suggest adding stop lights at those crossings as well? If a stop light was added at Wonder Hill and I-290, wouldn’t the citizens that use Wonder Hill Rd. be thrilled? Wouldn’t that provide a safe crossing for the property owners and their families as well? If the old FM 577 and I-290 crossing was an indicator, traffic lights probably won’t improve the safety of the crossing.
Now, regarding the sound impact in the area… I bet the traffic noise from I-290 is more significant on Wonder Hill Rd. than the noise from the track will be. The noise from I-290 is constant. The sounds from the track won’t be. In your points about noise at the track you used the words “they can theoretically have noises without a top limit”. In theory, they could do anything your mind can imagine to offend you. However, it’s in the best interest of their members and the track to have happy neighbors. They’re enjoying a hobby. My thought is that, like most of us, they want to enjoy their hobby without someone calling them the devil and being accused of ruining their neighbor’s lives. Specifically, have you ever been to a road course track that’s used primarily by clubs? The sound concerns are much to-do about nothing.
Now, on to your concerns that you’ll have to “sacrifice everything” for the “rich person’s hobby”… Could you be more dramatic and apply more class warfare to a topic? People (lots of them are rich) do move here to “get away” and to enjoy a quiet life. I have no problem with that. However, an equal number of people move here to be close to work. Brenham and Washington County isn’t a tropical island. It’s situated between two of the fastest growing cities in the state. The area is beautiful and people will come…and they will want to stay. I also want to ease your fears of rich people coming to town and spending money all will-nilly. There will be budget minded racers in Ford Focus, Dodge Neons and Mazda Miatas evening out all that richness. Your concern about fires during burn bans is valid. There is always the chance of a car fire at a race track. I would assume the track will not only have a paid ambulance on site during race days, but will also have means to handle fires. I’m unsure what impact on wildlife you’re concerned about. I think the dove are all being “managed” beginning with the barrage of gun fire that started this past Monday and will continue through October 20th. The deer will all be cared for beginning November 1st. I also want to ease your concerns about property devaluation. I’m pretty sure your property values will be fine. I’m sure a member of the track will buy your place when you’re ready to sell. You are correct; the negatives will continue to stack up because that’s what you desire.
In response to your final paragraph, I can see you view the track in the same light as a strip club, biker bar, or some other source of questionable moral value. That’s pretty insulting. If the track is next to a school, hospital or park…so what? Is there some bad thing that happens at a road race track that I’m unaware of? People come to tracks with their family and friends to enjoy a common hobby. They’re not there to do anything but improve their driving skills and share their common interest in cars.
To conclude, I do have a question. How many full time residents are within a ½ a mile of the proposed track site? I haven’t heard a figure and I’m curious.
Responding to Jeff.
Point one: The blind hill in question is, at the moment, only an occasional issue because, for the most part, only local traffic has been using Wonder Hill Rd and we are all familiar with the blind spot. When 250 (Von schmidt’s number) members begin arriving every weekend, trailering their race cars and maybe arriving in their motor coaches, to indulge themselves and “satisfy their need for speed” (Von schmidt’s words) the occasional hazard will become common place. Furthermore, that spot is not the only blind hill. If the self-indulgent decide to come to the race track via Hwy 36 and Spring Creek Rd they will encounter as many as three additional blind hills and an already dangerous blind intersection.
There will be no additional traffic lights on 290, the overpasses just recently completed were placed there and designed, in part, to usher traffic through Brenham quickly and efficiently and a traffic light would seriously undermine that plan. However, crossing 290 will be more problematic than it already is, as the left turn lane (as one heads toward Brenham from Chappell Hill) isn’t long enough to handle more than two or three cars at most. Thus there will be vehicles in the left lane, intended for passing, that will be slowing down and or stopping, waiting for their turn to make the left across 290. This will be extremely dangerous and if, subsequently, changes need to be made to 290 to accommodate that group of thrill seekers the county will have to carry the financial burden. And that means the residents.
And speaking of financial burdens, who will carry the burden of repairing our county road after Mr. Von schmidt finishes with all the heavy equipment that will be required to build this 2+ mile track, the paddock and all the “dairy barn” buildings?
Point two: There has been much discussion about the noise – lots of talk of dBs and LA10 standards, etc. – but the fact is we don’t believe the numbers and we don’t know how they will translate to actual noise on the ground and how it will travel and skip across our hills. The person who mentioned being able to hear neighbors speaking on their porch hundreds of feet away is absolutely right, it is a common occurrence around here so pardon us for being skeptical of the “science” being thrown at us. But putting aside the noise debate, the bigger issue is one that can not be argued away and that is, once an intrusion like this has been allowed there will be no stopping further commercialization of our rural/residential community. The race track represents the hole in the dyke. Those who say we are being obtuse don’t live here.
Point three: Why is it that only those who have achieved a certain level of affluence complain about class warfare? Mr. Von schmidt, a man accustomed to acquiring vast acreages and developing them as he sees fit, is obviously very practiced at fighting resistant communities, but he did reveal his underlying sense of entitlement when he stated, “I wanted hills, I wanted varied terrain, I wanted …, I wanted…. and this land has it all.” As though WE were supposed to feel sorry we objected once we learned that he was able to get everything he wanted. We were raised believing you don’t always get what you want. So, why should he? Because he is wealthy and can afford to fight us as long as it takes? Give us a break. Don’t get me wrong, this community has folks in lots of different financial situations but that doesn’t change the fact that this man is using his wealth to get what he wants at the expense of those who were here first. If he were buying this land to come here on the weekend to hunt deer and white wing doves or to shred his hay or graze cattle, to raise chickens or children, or to watch wild birds, or to sit and reflect in silence, he would be more than welcome. No problem. But that isn’t what he wants. What he wants is a private race track.
Look, I know all about spinning issues and Mr. Von schmidt is a spin master. Dropping the tax variance request (“How can I ask for a tax break when you taxes just went up for 911?”), driving classes for EMS, $30k donation to the VFDs (since they will have to be on call every weekend), dairy barn looking buildings, family picnics, this won’t be a spectator event, I mean, yes it will – what do you want me to say? I’ll say it!!
Jeff, I live on wonder hill and agree with you entirely. I think the track would be a draw for Brenham and cant see how the property values would decline. Thank you for your reasonable replys to the chicken little audience..
Jeff, what part of private club don’t you understand? You’ll be watching from the fenceline perimeter while dodging car trailers being pulled by the fat cats from Houston/Austin/Dallas. The best you will get is a wristband that identifies you as one of the “quaint country folk” that aren’t members of the club during one of the promised, “open to the public” events (open to watch – not to race). You aren’t going to be able to attend at your leisure – it’s not NASCAR or a CART track. Everyone that thinks that this racetrack will be anything other than a private playground needs to wake up and smell the gasoline.