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.
