I disagree with the plan to develop a large motocross racing facility on the Mountain Loop Highway. This track will create financial and safety burdens for Snohomish County residents, negatively impact the environment, the quality of life for residents, and current recreation visitors.

Other writers compare the Paul Thomas plan to Hannegan Speedway. The proposed track is located on a high plateau with mountains on three sides, which echo noise for miles. It is 21-plus miles from the nearest hospital and I-5. You must drive to the track on a two-lane road six miles from the nearest town, far from EMT and fire services. Traffic will cross a bridge so narrow that gravel trucks must pass through single file. Hannegan Speedway does not have these problems.

This track would be bigger than Hannegan. Developers are seeking a “world class racing organization for hosting local, regional and national race events.” They plan 76 acres with at least three large tracks, operating every day until 9 p.m.

The location of this track directly impacts several family recreational sites: One and a half miles west of the track is a long-established fishing and camping park visited by families and organizations like the Boy Scouts all year. One mile east of the track is the Old Robe Valley Trail. Noise, water and air pollution from this track will impact homes (less than 4,000 feet away), farms, businesses (a retreat center less than two miles away) and visitors on this National Scenic Byway. Racing motorcycles will make selling peace and quiet hard, to say the least.

Help protect and promote what we have: the natural beauty, peace and quiet of the Mountain Loop highway. Write your County Council member to protest this track!

Sharon Sheppard

Granite Falls