A proposal to build a drag-racing strip on an 80-acre parcel of agricultural land in Garfield Township produced more than two hours of public debate Thursday, May 3, at a hearing by the township's planning commission. Some residents cited economic development and recreational opportunities, others talked of declining property values near drag strips elsewhere, potential environmental degradation, and an unwanted change in the quiet, rural nature of the area. More than 75 people came to the Garfield Township hall to recommend building the track, to insist on excluding it, or to suggest finding another site in the township.

The planning commission took no action, but it has scheduled a special meeting Monday, May 14, when members will decide what to recommend to the Garfield Township Board of Trustees, which will ultimately rule on the matter, said Planning Commission Chairman Stephen King.

The land, bordered by Pleasant Avenue and Patzer Road, is three miles north of US-2. It is zoned for agricultural use, so to allow construction, the planning commission would have to alter or change the zoning for recreational use. Options include re-zoning for forest/ recreational use, allowing the planning commission to issue a conditional use permit. The commission could also legalize the track by inserting language into the agricultural zoning description, which would allow commercial recreational activities, Mr. King said.

The project, called Engadine Raceway Park, is proposed by Thomas and Sharon Ledford of Kaleva, who operate drag strips in Ubly and Kaleva. They have made a down payment of $2,500 on the parcel and plan to buy it if the project is approved, Mr. King said.

Lynne Batchelder, a member of the Mackinac County Economic Development Corporation (EDC), said the EDC has worked hard to bring businesses to the county and approves of the drag strip. The Naubinway/Engadine Merchants Association has also expressed support for the project, Mr. King noted.

Several racing fans testified that the drag strip would draw visitors from the Upper Peninsula, Lower Michigan, and, possibly, Wisconsin.

The testimony revealed polarized opinions over the nature of racing in general, one side contending that a drag strip would create excessive noise and an unruly crowd involved with drugs and alcohol to Engadine. This was disputed by racing fans, who said drag racing is family-oriented.

Clarence "John" Ketcher of Engadine called the sport "something the whole family can attend." He travels 50 miles or more to watch drag races and said racing could help dissuade dangerous alcohol use. Locally, "drinking and driving is all there is to do," and the track would provide an alternative, he said.

Two residents noted that people drive race cars in the area now, and the track would be a better place to test them.

A sophomore from Engadine Consolidated Schools, Ryne Ozanich, said, "I feel the drag strip would provide [positive] economic opportunities in as well as a place to have fun racing that is safe and in a controlled environment, rather than on personal property, county roads, [or] city streets. I think it would be an overall benefit to our community."

Opposition to the race track was outspoken and organized. Attorney Terry Burkhart of Escanaba, who represented four residents, presented a petition opposing the track, signed by 11 people who own property within 300 feet of the parcel. He also submitted a packet of testimony from veterinarians, farmers, real estate agents, and others, suggesting that wildlife and domestic animals could be harmed by drag-strip noise and that real estate values could be diminished. The packet also included descriptions of existing raceways and letters of opposition, most of which were read by their authors at the hearing.

Opponents said a zoning change would be inconsistent with the township's master plan, which was updated in 2003 and defines the area for an agricultural district. Resident Debra Frazier, in a letter to the planning commission, said a drag strip there would be "an island of commercial activity with little hope of ever becoming a commercial district," she wrote.

Several farmers did not believe that the drag strip would be good for the economy. Rich Pershinske of the Mackinac-Luce-Schoolcraft Farm Bureau said the drag strip could disrupt production and put farmers out of business. Farmers cannot afford legal intervention against such proposals and ultimately cannot defend "the right to farm," he said, adding that the area has been in agricultural use since settlement.

The drag strip would coincide with and interfere with farmers' production season, said Sue Butkovich, a bee farmer on Pleasant Avenue.

Deb Miller of Richlo Dairy Farms agreed that the drag strip could bring revenue to the township, but added that there are few dairy farms left in the area and the next generation of farmers would be disrupted by re-zoning.

A number of residents and organizations oppose the track for environmental reasons.

Carol Harper said the West Mackinac Garden Club voted to oppose the track Thursday, April 26, asserting that it would damage soil as well as produce air, water, light, and noise pollution. Members of the Garden Club are devoted to area beautification and land conservation. The parcel in question and the "unspoiled woods" nearby would be damaged by the operation of the track, she said.

Other concerns expressed at the hearing included the potential need for increased policing, ambulance services, and road maintenance. Following the hearing, the commission began investigating the possibility that the parcel includes protected wetlands, which could make development illegal, Mr. King said.

"Before we proceed with any zoning change, we have to find out from the Department of Environmental Quality if this track can be built," he told The St. Ignace News. "If not, there is no reason to proceed any further."