Quarter Midgets get approval for pit fencing and paving inside lease area with permits

The Blue Mountain Quarter Midgets were granted permission April 8 to install a fence around their pit area and to pave an area now covered by stone between existing blacktop sections, as long as the work stays within the group’s current leased area and the lessee obtains all required permits.

Preston Henry, speaking for the Quarter Midgets, said the fence is required by the group’s insurance to separate the restricted pit area from spectator spaces and that the asphalt is intended to reduce tripping and safety hazards where stone meets blacktop. "The pit area is their restricted area and that is why they want to put up the fence because that is what their insurance policy states," Henry said.

Supervisor Janet Sheats moved to approve the fence and blacktop provided the improvements remain within the leased area and the Quarter Midgets obtain necessary permits; Supervisor Cindy Miller seconded the motion and the Board voted unanimously to approve the request. The lessee agreed to pay the fire tax associated with the leased property.

The Board also discussed longstanding lease questions about whether the Quarter Midgets have used only the leased area or encroached onto township land; lessee representatives said the track is inside the original lease footprint and parking is on adjacent land. Supervisors asked that future lease renewals and site plans include clear boundary descriptions to avoid confusion.

The Board’s approval was conditioned on obtaining permits and verifying the work stays within the leased area; Zoning Officer Liz Amato and the Township Engineer were identified as the staff contacts for permit and setback questions.