A local resident told the Williams County Commission she and other neighbors are worried about the county’s reported intent to acquire the fairgrounds and asked the commission to avoid developing the existing fairgrounds site.

"My family has lived there since '88. My dad's worked there since, gosh, in the seventies," Christie Sperling told the commission during public comment. She said the racetrack and fairgrounds create noise and nighttime light that she and neighbors find disruptive. "We cannot stand the noise, the fireworks, and the possibility of being ... burned out of our own home," Sperling said, and added she had learned fireworks at the site "didn't have pyrotechnic licenses since 2001 and never had insurance."

Sperling also raised geologic concerns about the property described in the comments as "Mister Wilder's field," saying springs and unstable ground near the south end of 50 Third Street limit development. "When you start digging, you will disrupt pretty much springs. There are 3 major springs on the South End Of 50 Third Street," she said, and said the owners had told her apartment buildings could not be constructed there.

Sperling described traffic and safety problems near the racetrack and fairgrounds, saying narrow roads have led to side‑by‑side and motorcycle accidents. She suggested the county consider building a new facility on property closer to the bypass rather than redeveloping the original fairgrounds.

County response and status: A county official told Sperling that, "At this time, all we've done is sign an intent to purchase. So we we'd have no plans any further than that right now." Staff invited residents to stay tuned and said there will be opportunities for public involvement later in the process.

Why it matters: The remarks were made during public comment and reflect neighborhood concerns about land use, public safety, groundwater and future siting decisions. The commission did not adopt any plan or make development decisions at the meeting; staff described the purchase step as an early phase.

Ending: Sperling concluded by urging the commission to locate a new fairgrounds away from the existing racetrack site if the county proceeds with a larger redevelopment. County staff said the public will have future opportunities to participate in planning if the acquisition moves forward.