Decision On Possible Osceola Dragway Expansion Happens This Week
MISHAWAKA — The future of the Osceola Dragway will be decided tomorrow morning.
The Elkhart County Commissioners are weighing a request to rezone the property for a future expansion. This has been a major controversy for residents in that area.
There is a lot of support and opposition to the expansion.
Some have said the expansion will cause major problems for people that live around the dragway, but supporters say the upgrades will boost its appeal and economic impact.
“The dragway expansion plan just doesn’t fit in the middle of a residential area,” said Lyle Fisel.
Fisel has lived in the neighborhood across the street from the dragway for the past 12 years and has been outspoken about his opposition to the rezoning. One of his major concerns is the noise, which he says he’s tolerated, but worries it could be even louder after the expansion.
“Oh, there goes peaceful weekends on the river because the sound carries over to the north side of the river and bounces off and it just magnifies it sound incredibly,” said Fisel.
His other major concern is the practice track that would be added to the current property.
The dragway is asking to change the spacing from residential homes to 80 feet, down from 1000.
“Who wants their kids playing in the backyard with 80 feet of a race track where they’re not out there driving Miss Daisy?” said Fisel.
However, proponents argue the expansion would allow for a variety of events to be hosted there, benefiting everyone.
“The money, it’s going to generate if it does develop into a better facility with a better racing surfaces,” said Nigro. “It’s going to beneficial for everyone in the area.”
Nigro has been advocating for the expansion and says neighbors complaining noise and other issue, shouldn’t have chosen to live near the dragway.
“They bought property in that area,” said Nigro. “I’m not trying to disregard what they’re saying or doing, but they bought property next to a racetrack, an existing racetrack.”
Both sides told us they expect this to be a packed meeting room with everyone showing up to support their stance.
That meeting is set to start tomorrow morning at 9.
Source: WSBT