DEVELOPMENT THREATS
Ongoing
Today is Hearing Day: Participation Options
The Marion County Board of Commissioners meets today at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium, 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, to consider adoption of the Blitch Plantation (Rudianyn) proposal for Double Gate ATV Park and Recreation. Here is the agenda and full application.
Overwhelming Grassroots Support for the Farmland Preservation Area
The County Commissioners report receiving over 200 letters in opposition to the Double Gate ATV Park Land Use and Zoning changes, and Special Use Permit. Thank you for speaking out! As a supporter of the Farmland Preservation Area, you are in strong company. Take a look at some of these letters:
A Closer Look at Very Real Water Concerns in Flemington from Double Gate ATV Park
Yet there is no plan, no environmental study – nothing to assure the public that water concerns will be addressed. Here is what the Springs Institute said after they read the Application:
Residents, farm groups oppose ATV park in rural Flemington
The 240-acres project would include an ATV track, sales, service and an RV park located in the pastoral area designated as part of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. A proposal to build an all-terrain vehicle recreation and entertainment complex, with included track, sales, service and an RV park at Flemington, has many in the rural community up in arms.
Truth Over Distraction in Flemington ATV Matter
Perhaps you’ve heard the term red herring? Its origin is from the training of hunting dogs, where a bait fish is used to distract the dogs and send them in a different direction. A red herring is a distracting, usually emotional argument thrown out during a discourse that sends the listener down a rabbit hole, blurring the facts and obscuring the truth. We’ve got one in this Double Gate ATV matter. We’re calling it out.
Do you know of a development threatening the Farmland Preservation Area? Contact us!
Resolved
Truth Over Distraction in Flemington ATV Matter
Perhaps you’ve heard the term red herring? Its origin is from the training of hunting dogs, where a bait fish is used to distract the dogs and send them in a different direction. A red herring is a distracting, usually emotional argument thrown out during a discourse that sends the listener down a rabbit hole, blurring the facts and obscuring the truth. We’ve got one in this Double Gate ATV matter. We’re calling it out.
Where to ATV in Ocala? Not In My…
Does the opposition to Double Gate ATV Park really come down to a whole lot of residents who are saying Not In My Backyard to a wholesome, family activity? If you believe this, you are missing the point. What hundreds of people are saying, with one voice, is this: Not in my Farmland Preservation Area.
Soil and Water Experts Say NO to Double Gate ATV Park Location
Neighbors to the proposed Double Gate ATV Park continue to write the County Commissioners with clear opposition and good evidence to support their contention that the Flemington location is not suitable for this use. Here is a letter from Rick Robbins, a nearby resident and former Soil and Water Conservation District employee.
ATV Engine Noise – The Science of Sound
“Loud ATV exhaust noise has become an issue both medically and environmentally. The threshold of permanent hearing damage, as set by the OSHA, is 85 dB. A gas-powered lawn mower produces 85 dB. The snowmobile industry cannot, under U.S. law, exceed 78 dBs at full throttle, and since 1979 motorcycle manufacturers must stay between 78 and 84 dB. However, most ATVs are between 85 and 100 dBs, which has led to concerns by both riders and non-riders about excessive noise.” – How to Quiet ATV Exhaust Noise (A Practical Guide) from bettersoundproofing.com
Planning and Zoning Commission Denies Double Gate ATV Special Use Permit
Thank you to everyone who showed up at last night’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. The room was past capacity with a rotating line of speakers waiting patiently outside to be heard. Busy Shires Byerly, our Director of Conservation Strategies, spoke for Horse Farms Forever. Here are her comments.
Always Watching
We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.
Join the herd. Every voice matters.