A Maryland father has stirred up controversy in his Highland Community in Howard County by building a half-mile go-kart track for his motorsports-loving 11-year-old son on their 11-acre property. Charles Siperko invested over $100,000 into constructing the practice course to help his son pursue his dream of becoming a professional racer. However, neighbors have raised concerns about noise, property value, and environmental impact, leading to legal issues that forced the construction to be halted.
Siperko has retroactively filed for permits and enlisted the help of a land attorney to classify the track as an “athletic facility.” He has also promised to only use electric motors and limit the track use to certain times to address noise complaints. The family has called for public support to protect their son’s passion for racing.
While some neighbors are concerned about the environmental impact of the track on wetlands due to tire particle shedding, the family claims to have received assurances that there were no wetlands on the property before building the track. Advocates for the removal of the track attended a community meeting to discuss its potential impact on the neighborhood.
Despite facing setbacks and disputes with local residents, Siperko and his wife Sarah Troxel remain determined to uphold their son’s dedication and love for racing. They urge the public to support them in preserving the track as a testament to their son’s passion for the sport.
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