Race venue not on agenda but still on minds

It wasn’t on the Plan Commission’s Feb. 4 agenda, but the proposed autocross and drifting race facility in the Town of Fredonia is always on the minds of those who would be affected by it, and they voiced their opposition.

Jay Bullington hopes to construct a paved lot for motorsports on 72 acres at the southeast corner of Highway 57 and Jay Road.

Commissioner John Depies proposed allowing public comments on the plan despite it not being on the agenda.

Commission Chairman Chris Janik questioned the suitability of doing so since the commission wouldn’t be able to discuss it with residents or among itself.

“It’s not that I don’t like listening to people, but given that this meeting does not have this as an agenda item, this is strictly conversation one way,” he said.

“Given that stipulation, I don’t see a lot of positives that can come from public comment at this time at this meeting.”

The commission voted, 4-2, to allow public comments.

Bullington, owner of the automatic drivetrain upgrade company JXB Performance in Saukville, is seeking a conditional use permit for a 17,000-square-foot headquarters for his business, a venue space for motorsports activities, pavilion-like covered area, observation balcony and restaurant, along with accessory uses.

Residents have packed Plan Commission meetings, raising concerns over noise, water flow and traffic. Supporters of the plan have also spoken, touting the improvement in driving skills among teens and adults it would provide and boost to the local economy, although none spoke on Feb. 4.

Town resident Tracy Binsfield said she spent years trying to find a spot to live outside Milwaukee County.

“I found the perfect place. I love where I’m at,” she said, adding she would never have bought the property if she knew a racetrack would be put nearby.

Town of Belgium resident Jessica Addickes shared the same concern after accidentally moving across the street from the Hales Corners Speedway in Franklin years ago before moving to the country.

“I wanted to raise my child, my horses and my chickens in peace, and that’s why we bought that property,” she said.

“Please protect our home.”

Matt McCardell, who lives on a horse farm across the street from the proposed site, said the race car driving won’t stay on the track.

“It is going to come onto the town streets. I’ve been to races before at other places, and that always happens. People are all hyped up in their cars and they take off like a bat out of hell when they’re leaving, and they do dumb stuff,” he said.

Faith Stubing, who lives on Jay Road, is concerned that her granddaughter who has autism and cannot stand loud noises won’t be able to come to visit if the plan goes through.

“It breaks my heart that I won’t be able to have my granddaughter. I pay taxes. I live here. I thought board members were for the town residents,” she said. “Please think with your hearts.”

Bullington conducted a sound test on Dec. 20 using speakers at the site, but that didn’t sit well with many people since he was the one in control of the test.

The commission came to a consensus last month to seek an independent third party to conduct a sound test.

The next Plan Commission meeting is March 4.