Bicycle Track Owners Say Races Continuing Despite Zoning Breach

Owners and operators of an Otis Orchards backyard BMX bicycle track that was ordered closed last week say they do not plan to stop racing.

They argue that the track gives racers something fun and inexpensive to do, and helps keep them out of trouble.

“I’m going to run until the end of the year,” said Danny Newlon, track director. The BMX season typically runs into October.

Continued racing could result in Ronald Bliesner being charged with violating the county’s zoning code. The track is located behind Bliesner’s house at 4521 N. Garry.

Newlon and Bliesner are banking on finishing the racing season before prosecutors could file charges.

Allan deLaubenfels, county zoning inspector, said he cannot allow the track to stay open because planners ruled it violated the county’s zoning code.

Ronald and Kathy Bliesner were told they could appeal the decision, but missed the 20-day period, deLaubenfels said.

A race held last Saturday was supposed to be the last one the track hosted. Kathy Bliesner said a race is scheduled for Sunday.

“As far as we’re concerned, the track is there illegally and we will take whatever action is necessary to cause it to close,” deLaubenfels said. “We have no choice.”

An unannounced inspection of the track will be done, deLaubenfels said. If racing continues, the zoning inspector will forward his findings to the county prosecuting attorney’s office. It will be up to prosecutors to file formal charges, deLaubenfels said.

However, Tom Davis, county co-compliance administrator, said that process could take months. Even if charges are filed, Davis said it is unlikely Bliesner will be penalized if he stops racing.

“Even at the last minute we’d withdraw (charges) if the property is brought into compliance,” Davis said.

County planners ruled last month that the county zoning code did not allow the BMX track in the neighborhood, which is zoned semi-rural residential.

Newlon filed an appeal on behalf of the Bliesners, but planners received it two days after the deadline had passed.

“There was no way (the deadline) could be extended by law,” deLaubenfels said.

Newlon said he will continue to hold races anyway.

“These kids need a BMX track,” Newlon said. “There’s enough kids that still want to race. I’m going to run.”

The current 1,035-foot track has attracted dozens of riders and a number of zoning complaints since it opened in April.

Critics of the track claim it has brought cars carrying bike racers speeding past their houses. Noise from cheering race fans and announcements from the public address system echo down the blocks, neighbors complain.

Newlon disagrees. He said he has warned racers about speeding down Garry, and noise from the track is minimal.

For now, racing will continue on weekends and some Wednesdays, Kathy Bliesner said.

“We’ll go through the (zoning violation) process and see what happens,” Newlon said.

, DataTimes