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Council tables motorsports zoning amendment after public hearing; sends text back to Land Planning Committee
Summary
After a public hearing with attendees urging a sanctioned motorsports track, Henderson City Council voted 6–1 to table a zoning text amendment that would permit motorsports as a special-use permit and directed the item to the Land Planning Committee for revisions addressing noise, dust control and vehicle‑type limits.
Henderson City Council voted on Oct. 10 to table a proposed zoning text amendment that would allow motorsports operations by special‑use permit, following a public hearing in which residents and proponents described the track as a safe outlet for youth.
Development Services Director Corey Williams introduced the draft ordinance and told the council the Planning Board had recommended denial after earlier review. Citizens who testified said the track keeps riders off city streets and brings business to nearby establishments. Darien Markham, who spoke in favor, said, “the whole point of this racetrack was to keep people off the street.” Justin Davis added that events began as a private club and that “there has not been any violence on the property.”
Council members raised multiple concerns, including enforceable decibel limits, dust suppression (crush‑and‑run was mentioned), hours of operation, and whether the ordinance should permit auto and truck racing as well as motorcycles and ATVs. Council Member Sara M. Coffey said she supported racing limited to motorcycles, dirt bikes and four‑wheelers and opposed allowing autos and trucks under the current draft. Council Member Marion B. Williams suggested limiting the use to the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).
Council discussion also noted that similar ordinances in neighboring jurisdictions vary in stringency and that Council has the authority to send the text back to the Planning Board for further study. After public comment and discussion, Council Member Marion B. Williams moved to table Ordinance 22‑16.1 and send it to the Land Planning Committee for consideration of limiting the use to the ETJ and removing autos and trucks; the motion passed 6–1 (Yes: Williams, Coffey, Noel, Elliott, Daeke, Thorpe‑Cooper; No: Spriggs; Absent: Rainey).
The Land Planning Committee will review suggested edits and return a revised draft to Council; no final land‑use approvals or permits were granted at the Oct. 10 meeting.
