OTTAWA — On a split vote, Franklin County commissioners voted 4-1 Wednesday to issue a special use permit to allow the Motoplayground east of Ottawa to continue operating. The motocross track complex had been operating without a permit for five years. Because there was a protest petition from neighbors opposed to the track complex filed after owner Harold Martin filed a request for a special use permit, at least four of the five commissioners have to vote to issue the permit. And that was only possible because commissioner Randall Renoud, who was out of state, took part in the meeting via a telephone linkup. Commissioner Roy Dunn voted against issuing the permit, citing his concerns about the affect on neighbors’ property values. The commission chambers were packed with nearly 50 people and several neighbors urged commissioners to reject the permit because of traffic, noise and safety concerns, as well as the impact on their property values. “This whole thing has been painted in a wrong light,” Martin said. He said the complex has been run with safety in mind and that it draws families across the country for the two annual Diggity-Boom camps, creating a sizeable economic boost for the area, as well as national attention to Ottawa.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m.
