The Henry County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously voted to deny a special use permit request to reopen the former Oak Level Raceway during its Wednesday, Aug. 27 meeting.
The proposal, submitted by property owner Carl “Bo” Miller, sought permission to operate the racetrack for motorsports and entertainment events. The property sits at the end of Raceway Drive in the Reed Creek District and is currently zoned Agricultural District A-1.
Lee Clark, director of Planning, Zoning, and Inspections, said the site is not within the county’s designated growth area as defined by the comprehensive plan. From his understanding, Clark said, it has been about 17 years since the track was last in operation.
“They have taken it upon themselves to do quite a bit of clearing work out there in the meantime before this case,” Clark said. “I don’t know everything that’s taken place out there workwise, don’t know what permits, if any, have been issued for the work that’s been done.”
Miller told the board his vision is to revitalize the venue and transform it into a community gathering place.
“Our vision for the reopening of Oak Level Raceway is to revitalize a cherished local venue and transform it into a welcoming destination for motorsport enthusiasts and families alike,” he said.
He proposed a mix of activities, including organized racing events, car shows, vendor fairs, and family-friendly gatherings. Miller said the business would comply with all county safety, noise, and traffic regulations.
“In addition, we aim to create economic opportunities by attracting visitors and supporting local businesses and contributing to the local tax base,” he said. “We believe that this endeavor will provide a meaningful boost to our local economy while preserving the spirit of the community that defines Henry County.”
Miller noted there is currently seating for about 325 people to accommodate visitors to the racetrack.
Public Comment
More than a dozen attendees at the meeting expressed support for Miller’s proposal. However, about half a dozen nearby residents voiced strong opposition, citing noise, safety, traffic, dust, and property values.
Kirk Wohlford, who owns 75 acres of farmland bordering the track, said his family, livestock, property, and livelihood would be directly impacted.
“First the noise — racecars routinely exceed 95 to 100 decibels, which is the equivalent of a loud jackhammer, and when you’ve got 15 of them running around in circles for two hours, three hours it’s a lot of noise,” he said.
Wohlford also raised concerns about events running past the county’s 10 p.m. noise ordinance. He said a dirt track would create dust that could damage his solar panels and contaminate his pastures.
William Myers, who lived in the area when the racetrack was previously active, said residents endured noise throughout the week.
“Of course, the noise on Friday night was pretty unbearable, but the PA system was much louder than it needed to be,” Myers said. “The worst part was there was practice all week long, so we not only had to put up with noise on Friday night, we had to put up with noise on days during the week.”
He also recalled speeding traffic and litter. “Every Saturday morning there’s broken beer bottles, beer cans, and litter all over the place,” he said. “This is not very helpful to this community.”
Carrie Ratliff, another nearby resident, echoed concerns about trash, traffic, and alcohol.
“I really feel like there would need to be some road improvement before that type of traffic could start again,” she said.
Board Concerns
Board members acknowledged Miller’s passion and management style but said the location was no longer suitable.
“A racetrack is a racetrack, and the road is the road, and the neighbors are the neighbors, and we can’t change that no matter how hard we try,” board member Paul Setliff said. “I know racing is part of Henry County, I’m a race fan myself, but in this particular instance that track would not benefit this area with the things that are going against it as far as the traffic and the trash and all those things.”
Stu Warren said maneuvering trailers on the road is already difficult.
“It’s a tight squeeze there, and that’s daytime. It can be done, but it’s pretty sporting. Everybody’s going to have to have a good day to get in and out of there,” he said.
Board member Jay Hudson said 17 years without racing had changed the community.
“It’s been 17 years and I’m thinking that it’s no longer compatible with the neighborhood,” Hudson said.
“Mr. Miller, I do think that you are genuine. I believe you definitely have a passion for that track, and I think you would manage it well,” he said. “It’s been 17 years and I’m thinking that it’s no longer compatible with the community that lives there in the neighborhood.”
Deborah Hairston said she’s concerned about the safety issues that could arise from the racetrack being open and the amount of people driving in and out of the property.
“And during the week, what about racing during the week and practicing and things like that, because it’s not just once every other weekend,” Hairston said.
Miller asked if he could answer the questions.
Setliff said he believed answers would be assumptions.
“The certainly that I’m dealing with is what I spoke about. Now what’s going to happen in the future is an assumption. I’m dealing with the road that’s too small, what it does to the quality of life of the people living around there. That’s a certainty, and so that’s where my mind is: what I know today. And what I know today is that racetrack, a racetrack, is not suited for that residential area,” Setliff said.
Real estate agent and board member Lisa Spencer said she worried about property values.
“I believe it can reduce the property values of these people that have come here today, and that concerns me,” she said.
Clark reminded the board that the county’s noise ordinance does not cover engine noise. “There’s no ordinance that would govern the noise that’s emitted from that track,” he said, though loudspeakers could be regulated.
Warren said the board is mandated by state law to weigh public health, safety, and welfare.
“And those affected the most are the homeowners that live right there, and that is a concern that we just can’t blow off because we’re enthusiastic race fans,” Warren said.
