INFORMATION #2 11-17-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Farnum's reasoning is that Big Lake will receive national and international attention from media related to races and events, therefore making Big Lake an even more desirable location. Gindele and Olson couldn't disagree more. "Who would want to live next to a racetrack?" Gindele questioned. The two both agreed that loud noise and frequent congestion would not help the market value of their homes. But for Cindy Lambing, she isn't too concerned with putting Big Lake on the map and gaining popularity, citing the peace and simpler way of life as the reasons she chose to move to the area more off the beaten path in the first place. "I moved out here for peace and quiet and (a) friendly, small-town community," she said. "That would be lost with a mixed-use motorsports facility." Also, with the proposal putting the area so close to the Mississippi River, Lambing is also concerned about losing the wildlife. "I will lose the bald eagles in my backyard," she said. At the end of the presentation, the vice chairman of the Big Lake Town Board, Larry Alfords, told the IMEDC representative they might have a tough sell on the idea. For example, Farnum said noise would be minimal, but everyone wants to know the specifics of that statement. "It's generalities," he said. "You haven't come out and said exactly what you're talking about." Alfords cited other issues related to the proximity to residents and falling within the Shoreline Management Act because of the closeness to the river. As of yet, IMEDC hasn't applied for any permits or applications to begin the building process. If that is completed, there will be future open forums for the residents to voice concerns and raise questions.