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Compromise eludes Speedway and opponents

Aug 11, 2015 12:03 am
Ellyn Gaydos is reporting in the Columbia Paper the New Lebanon Town Board held a public hearing last week to receive feedback on two proposed local laws that would affect the Lebanon Valley Speedway on Route 20 in West Lebanon. The proposals were the direct result of a petition targeting the speedway, signed by 168 people and submitted to town officials in June. Only 45 signatures of the 168 contained on the petition were from New Lebanon residents. One of the proposed laws would limit speedway operations to specific days and times. The second law would impose a noise control code. The speedway includes a half-mile oval dirt racetrack, drag strip and go-kart track, plus a camping area. It has been in operation for 63 years and employs 80 people. The track brings visitors and revenue to the town and has the highest attendance of any single attraction in the county. Town Supervisor Mike Benson suggested that both the speedway and its opponents pick three representatives for further negotiations, with the hope of avoiding a protracted legal battle. Read the full story in the Columbia Paper.