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Planning commission tables Shenandoah Speedway special-use permit amendment after lengthy debate over noise, monitoring and event limits
Summary
After more than two hours of public comment and detailed line-by-line review, the Page County Planning Commission tabled a proposed consolidation and amendment of Shenandoah Speedwayspecial-use permits to allow staff and legal counsel to refine enforceable language on noise monitoring, event-day caps, and overnight lodging.
Chairman Jared Burner said the Commission's role was to clarify conditions on the Speedway's permit rather than reopen whether the track should exist, and he opened review of a redlined consolidated special-use permit requested by the applicant.
Planner Cassie Richards told commissioners the property (Tax Map 96-A-4) contains about 80.11 acres and is split-zoned Commercial and Industrial; existing improvements include an oval asphalt track, motocross/tractor pull area, parking and concessions, and a current property-line noise limit of 80 dBA. Richards said agency reviewers (VDOT, Health Department, Building Official) submitted comments with no objections but urged the Commission to consider potential adverse impacts to nearby dwellings and subdivisions.
Commissioners spent extended time revising draft conditions. Commissioner Ken Johnson and County Attorney Mr. Helm pushed for clear, objective measurement and enforcement language; Helm recommended calibrated sound equipment, standardized microphone placement, event logging, weather limitation language and annual third-party review. Commissioner Catherine Grech emphasized enforceable, objective standards and the need to distinguish practice sessions from competitive events.
Applicant Jeff Vaughn acknowledged noise is the "greatest challenge" and told the Commission he and operator Chris Lilly are exploring mitigation, including muffler requirements, while defending the facility as a controlled alternative to illegal street activity.
Multiple speakers urged different outcomes. Resident Darwin Hurst pressed for a new noise study and for mitigation walls to be completed, saying a 2007 memorandum called for barriers that were not built. Opposing voices, including supporters who race or bring families to Shenandoah Speedway, described youth-development and economic benefits; racer/promoter Chris Lilly and others asked to be treated comparably to other Virginia motorsports facilities.
After discussing duration, sound-barrier options, event-day counting, overnight lodging for traveling crews, and lighting, Commissioner Grech moved to table further action and requested staff produce a revised redline addressing measurement standards, muffler language, complaint history and enforceability. The motion passed 5-0. The Commission scheduled continued review at a future meeting once revised conditions and supporting materials are prepared.
The Commission's decision preserves the status quo permitting environment until it adopts clarified, enforceable conditions; staff will return with refined language and historical complaint records.
