Another MX Track Stays Open

Motocross track permit renewed

Posted: Thursday, April 16, 2015 5:30 pm

Motocross track permit renewed By JOHN KLINE john.kline@goshennews.com Goshen News

GOSHEN — Local motocross riders got some good news Thursday during a meeting of the Elkhart County Board of Zoning Appeals.During Thursday’s meeting, the board voted to approve a request by Jeffrey Hershberger, owner of Homestead Motocross Inc., for a special use permit renewal for a motocross practice track at 12970 C.R. 4, Middlebury.

According to Hershberger, the track’s special use permit — required due to its location in a residentially/agriculturally zoned area — was first approved in 2013 for a period of two years. With the track’s special use expiring this year, Hershberger said he needed to either apply for an extension, or be forced to close the track.

“We are here to ask for an extension of five years on our special use permit to maintain our existing motocross track,” Hershberger said of his request. “We will maintain a dust controlled environment, and maintain the hours that were previously approved, seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ride time only, and no more than 20 vehicles on the track at a time.”

According to the company website, www.homesteadmx.com, the practice track is designed to appeal to riders of all ages and skill levels, and includes various training obstacles, such as sand whoops, small doubles, table tops and a step-up. The track also includes space for riders to go around each jump in the event they are unsure of their ability to safely complete the jump.

Hershberger noted that the track is maintained on a weekly basis, and includes portable restroom facilities. No alcohol or illegal substances are allowed on the premises at any time. Cost to use the track is $10 per rider per day.

In reviewing the request, county planning staff said there have been no complaints lagainst the track in the two years it has been in operation.

As such, staff recommended approval of the permit extension with the following conditions and commitments: that the days and hours of operation be limited to seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; that the number of riders be limited to 20 on the track at any given time; that portable restroom facilities be provided; that the riding area and driveway access be dust controlled; that no riding of the motocross vehicles be allowed on the driveway access; and that there will be no sanctioned race events allowed on the track.

The board agreed, and a motion to approve the permit extension was approved unanimously.