DIRT BIKE TRACK: More to the story

I am responding to the article, “Dirt bike track dispute revs up,” published on Aug. 6. I was the only one interviewed of the 34+ rural property owners who are unable to have the full use and enjoyment of their land. Many have lived peacefully for decades.

Stam’s motocross racetrack is not on 100 acres, it is on 22 acres on the southeast side of the proposed development. It is a large, professional grade track. It borders property owners on Greensferry, Highland and S. Starlight Drive. If Stam “waters” his track, it is ineffective in suppressing the highly visible, unhealthy dust cloud the bikes generate. At the HOA meeting in October 2014, homeowners respectfully voiced their concerns about his motocross racetrack. To state it was a “bitchfest” is not true and is insulting to our members.

The Kootenai County commissioners and the planning department ignored the federally designated wetlands, located adjacent to the motocross track. The wetlands flow into the Spokane River. There is most likely erosion and sedimentation, secondary to the exposed dirt of more than two years, draining into a “waters of the USA.”

The planning department was onsite and observed the motocross track. This was stated at the initial hearing. A site disturbance was staring them in the face. Only 50 cubic yards of dirt can be moved without a permit. It is incomprehensible that Stam is going to be awarded a permit 2+ years after the fact. Exposed dirt, by law, must be covered within 48 hours. The site disturbances were noted by Commissioner Green at the hearing. The BOCC did nothing.

Stam would be unable to obtain a conditional use permit because his racetrack does not meet any of the criteria. For one, the track is too close to neighboring properties. The BOCC did not question Callahan’s dubious interpretation that Stam’s motocross racetrack is “not a racetrack”— an interpretation that favors the developer over citizens.

Why bother having county commissioners or planning departments if they do not force developers to comply with the laws they create?

DR. DENNIS COOKE

Coeur d’Alene