Track would upset quality of life

Published 9:00 pm Monday, February 9, 2004

I read with great interest the article about NASCAR wanting to build a racing facility in either Oregon or Washington. The article goes on to say that Snohomish County has suggested two locations: Monroe and a location between Marysville and Arlington described as rural. The article failed to mention that the location in the Marysville/Arlington area is north of 152nd Street NE, between Smokey Point Boulevard and 51st Avenue NE.

As a long-time resident of this area, I am all too familiar with the ever-increasing traffic congestion that Snohomish County and the state of Washington have failed to provide relief for. Now, of course, these two entities – along with Marysville and Arlington – are jumping on the NASCAR bandwagon for the sole purpose of generating tax revenue. Not to be forgotten are the various businesses that would prosper from added sales, including Crown Distributing, which would hope to be the sole provider of alcohol at the various racing events.

Quality of life is important for those of us who live in this area. Bringing in any type of racing facility would destroy our quality of life beyond repair. Traffic congestion is only a small part of the equation. The noise generated at these events would make it impossible to tolerate for those living in the immediate and surrounding area.

I would hope that the various government officials involved think long and hard about this issue. I can assure you that any effort to build this facility will be met with vigorous resistance.

Marysville