Sweet Dixie South is located just 1000 feet from the proposed Double Gate ATV Race Track in Flemington. Here is the letter of owner, Michael Campbell to Marion County Growth Services:
On May 28, 2020, at 12:55 PM
Ms. Dinkins,
As owner of Sweet Dixie South, LLC, I am concerned about the proposed amendment to the comprehensive plan for an increase in the size of the existing rural activity center and the request for a special use permit for the ATV Racetrack, Paintball and other activities on the property located at the corner of N329/W318 in the quiet community of Flemington.
We realize these types of parks have a history of disrupting local lifestyles and the general atmosphere of the rural community due to their generation of noise and traffic. These parks seem to evoke an increase of littering, and police arrests . We have additional concern as to the detrimental impact these activities would have to the ground waters in or on the nearby flood zones.
Sweet Dixie South is a 160 acre “Jumper and Three Day Event” training farm located less than 1000 feet to the west of the proposed facility. We are very concerned about the volume of the noise and odors from exhaust created by this park. The proposed activities may be very disruptive to ourselves and other adjoining training facilities for the continuance of our established equine disciplines.
We also stand by the fact and believe the proposed facility does not support or promote the Farmland Preservation Area. We discourage any approval by the Marion County Commission to allow this intrusive proposal into the quiet community of Flemington, which is steeped In the tradition of equine culture.
Michael Campbell
Sweet Dixie South
It's Not About ATVs. It's About Location.
We at Horse Farms Forever like ATVs. Many of us own and enjoy them. We support family-oriented outdoor recreation, just like the Double Gate ATV Park applicants. Our concern continues to be about the location of the subject property:
- in the Farmland Preservation Area;
- in a flood zone and spring protection area;
- in a peaceful residential area where noise will be a factor.
Our message continues to be the same as our mission:
We ask that the Farmland Preservation Area be respected and protected. Once it's erased, it can't be replaced.
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.
Join the herd. Every voice matters.
We fully support all efforts in opposition to the proposed Double Gate ATV Park. Living well within 2 miles of the proposed site would radically change the environment and rural atmosphere of my property, and that of my restored, beautiful two-story Southern home, and that of so many others. It is unfathomable that such a facility would even be considered in Marion County’s beautiful, rural Farmland Preservation Area.
It truly does “adversely affect the public interest” of all residents living in the area. How many on the Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission would want this facility in their backyard much less their neighborhood with noise pollution and other adverse, undesirable variables it will inevitably introduce.
We say “no” to this potential pollution of our beautiful, rural Farmland Preservation Area. It is not at all compatible with our current land use. The wildlife we see everyday that reside here ~ Sandhill Cranes, Wild Turkey, Deer, and multitude of waterfowl just to mention a few, will all be encroached upon. Who are we kidding that it “will not adversely affect” or “is compatible with land uses in the surrounding area”!
As owner of Windy Hill Farm since 1998, we vehemently oppose the request for a special use permit for the ATV Racetrack, Paintball and other activities on the property located at the corner of N329/W318 in the quiet community of Flemington. This proposed rezoning is less than 7 miles from our established horse farm. Lately there have been very loud ATV’s driving down 110th Ave at high rates of speed heading north. Now I know why.
As a ‘retirement horse boarding facility’ We are very concerned about the volume of the noise and pollution created by riders at this park. The proposed activities will be very disruptive to our animals and other equine facilities in the area.
We do not believe the proposed facility belongs in the Farmland Preservation Area. We discourage any approval by the Marion County Commission to allow this intrusive proposal into the quiet community of Flemington.
The wildlife habitats in the proposed park area will certainly be affected as well ~ including red tail hawks, American bald eagles, Horned Owls, Sandhill Cranes, Wild Turkey, and Deer. It is definitely not compatible with farming and equine land uses in the surrounding area.
My wife and i purchased property in Flemington for our soon to be retirement. We oppose the usage of horse and farmland for a Atv park, or any other Loud, Buss . In this beautifull town, i hope the 2 who voted in favor of permit re think their decision. Thanks to the 3votes against Atv, ir paintball, or other large Buss.