Noise and dust concerns slow proposal to start up 70-acre off-road track in Montrose

MONTROSE — A local couple still wants to build a 70-acre motorcycle and ATV track after trying unsuccessfully to gain support for a special-use permit from the Montrose County Planning Commission.

After having their permit request denied last week, Kim and Chuck Madison said they  are exploring mitigation for dust and noise so they can put the project back on the county’s table. They still plan to eventually bring the request to the Board of County Commissioners in the future.

The Madisons sought the permit to build and operate a closed course track for motorcycles and ATVs on a 70-acre parcel off 6530 Road, about 3.5 miles from the city, said Chuck.

Noise and dust mitigation were the primary issues that led to commission’s Thursday decision, said Dave Laursen, planning commission member. The applicant did not show sufficient proof of mitigation, he said. There were also access and easement concerns.

Because the commission is an advisory board, the Madisons could still take their request to the county commissioners. Chuck said they intend to follow through with their request. However, the proposal will not likely be available for review by the board’s next meeting, he said.

The idea for such an area has “been floating around for years,” Chuck said. “It’s always been a popular idea in the dirt-biking community,” he said. “It’s just taken awhile. There used to be tracks around in the past.”

Kim said the couple walked away discouraged from the Thursday public hearing. But after discussing the issue with others, she said there’s still an opportunity for the project to move forward.

“It’s a good thing for families and kids,” said Kim. “The whole dust and noise thing is not as big a deal as people think it is. We’re trying to do follow up to see how much noise it (would) create.”

To mitigate dust, Chuck said they would change the soil composition and keep the grounds wet. He said they are still exploring options to deal with noise. He is not sure what could be used to filter noise.

If approved, the facility will likely be operated through membership or pay per use, Chuck said. He estimated that building a track might cost about $10,000 to $20,000.