Saint John Motocross - When will it end?

Tonight, I watched the Common Council meeting; because, I was interesting in hearing more regarding the motocross issue occurring on the west side. I had heard about this issue while reading the local newspaper over the last few months, but did not understand where it was occurring and the impact it had on the residents in the area. The man that spoke against the motocross track at the meeting had an incredible presentation that included: maps, pictures, video, audio, and bylaw information. I was blown away by how well it was presented, and I can now say that I am firmly against the motocross track. I am going to try and track down some of the presentation that was shown tonight as I think it did an excellent job at explaining the situation with regards to the residents!

For some more background information, this CBC story explains the issue very well. It explains that Al Williams, earlier this spring, constructed a motocross track behind his used car business on the west side. The issue is the very loud and irritating noises that can be heard for kilometers, and the impact it has on nearby residents such as Monte Cristo Park. One resident, Tim Peterson, has said that the constant whine of dirt bikes has him considering moving. “It’s irritating for me to the point that I would be considering doing that,” Peterson said. “We don’t want to go. We bought our house in that neighbourhood because it was a quiet, very kid-friendly neighbourhood.”

Al Williams says in response that he built the motocross track on his property so riders wouldn’t have to travel to Moncton, where the nearest track was located. He said he plans to it turn it into a commercial operation. “These people have definite concerns on their side, we’re not trying to punch them in the nose with it or abuse them with it,” Williams said. “I’m not breaking any law, there’s six lanes of highway between us and them”.

The next week, things turned worse for the residents, as this CBC story explains. Al Williams now says he’s finished trying to appease his neighbours and has begun rallying his own supporters. The reason? He wasn’t invited to a public meeting with city officials regarding noise complaints. His response? “These guys spoiled it by doing that,” Williams said Monday, referring to his neighbours living in Monte Cristo Park. “I could have put the sound curtains up, I could have done all the water and dust issues I could have addressed.”

So where does it stand now? Looks to me like they are in violation of an existing zoning bylaw. That motocross track is simply not allowed. I hope that council can figuring things out soon, and they will take action. It is not fair for residents to have to deal with this problem. I would urge you to support the residents and call for an end to the motocross. Contact your councilors and tell them. Now is the time to end this!