In public statements, Arshot Investment Corporation has proposed building a motorsports complex on the site of Cooper Stadium that would consist of a:
> 1/2 mile oval speedway
> Go-kart track
Arshot and ROAR Columbus commissioned separate noise impact studies to determine how far the race car engine sounds would extend beyond the track. Anecdotal evidence suggests it could be several miles.
The Noise Consultancy, who conducted the noise impact study for ROAR Columbus, has said, in their analysis, noise from the speedway will have a "severe impact" to "moderate impact" on large areas of Franklinton and areas surrounding downtown Columbus, including German Village, the Brewery District, the Scioto Mile, Northbank Park and The Whittier Peninsula. Furthermore, noise from the motorsports speedway would exceed the permissable daytime sound levels of Columbus' Noise Code out to a distance of almost 3000 feet!
To read the EXECUTIVE SUMMARY of the Noise Impact Study...
Areas north and east of the stadium that may be affected by engine noise
Areas west and south of the stadium that may be affected by engine noise
Arshot has stated that much of the engine noise would be muffled by neaby trees and freeway traffic. They've also said their noise consultants can construct the track in a way that will minimize the noise and eliminate the problem. ROAR Columbus finds that claim highly unlikely based on conversations with noise experts and with people currently living in cities with motorsports speedways.
In fact, late in 2008, an acoustical engineering firm, American Acoustical Associates, was invited to bid on the redevelopment project and declined because, among other reasons, they were "dubious that any type of 'motorsport' venue could ever be compatible with the heavily urban areas surrounding the existing Cooper Stadium site."
To read their letter outlining their concerns...
NEIGHBORHOOD
REACTION
MEDIA
COVERAGE
WHY WE'RE
CONCERNED
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
How loud is loud? The engine noise levels from stock car and dragster races can measure as high as 125-140 decibels. To compare:
THRESHOLD OF HEARING -- 0 decibles
QUIET URBAN AREA -- 40 decibles
CONVERSATIONAL SPEECH (at 3 feet) -- 60 decibles
BUSY CITY TRAFFIC -- 70 decibles
SHOUTING (at 3 feet) -- 80 decibles
TRAIN WHISTLE (at 500 feet) -- 90 decibels
LOUD ROCK CONCERT -- 120 decibels
747 TAKEOFF -- 140 decibels
Exposure to sounds above 85 decibels for an extended period of time can cause hearing loss according to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards!
To hear what the Cooper Stadium speedway COULD sound like to those nearby...
Why did ROAR Columbus commission a noise impact study when Arshot also plans to commission one? To avoid the potential for bias reporting. ROAR Columbus believes it's in our community's best interest to have a noise impact study conducted by a reputable, INDEPENDENT acousitc engineering firm before moving foward with this project.
