Committee approves rezoning and conditional‑use permit amendments for Great Lakes Dragway

The committee approved a package of land‑use actions to allow continued recreational uses at Great Lakes Dragway, including a comprehensive plan map change and rezoning to park/recreational (PR‑1) for portions of the property.

Attorney Anthony Nudo explained the application represents a sale and the buyer’s need for a new conditional use permit. The applicant withdrew requests for drifting events and ‘‘sound wars’’ following town and resident concerns and said the amended application retains drag racing and RC (electric) racing, which proponents described as low‑noise entertainment. John Reimach, a longtime track patron, told the committee the RC cars are electric and "make no noise," and expressed support for locating the RC track away from the main racing noise.

The town board had unanimously recommended approval. The committee voted on the comprehensive plan change, rezoning and the amended CUP individually and approved each item. Staff reminded applicants that the committee’s approvals will be transmitted to the county board; the conditional use permit takes effect only after county board action and the county executive’s signature.