Effect on community

FRANKLINTON - Franklinton residents would receive the brunt of potential high engine-noise levels. Virtually the entire city is within one mile of the stadium. Outdoor activities like backyard dining, enjoying a quite night on the patio, playing sports at Berliner Park, or paying respects to a loved one at Green Lawn Cemetery could be disrupted by noise from the speedway.

Many Franklinton residents report it was easy to hear fireworks after baseball games at the stadium and are concerned about the greater noise generated by the constant drone of race cars.

OTHER AREAS AFFECTED - It's also possible the race cars will be heard in the German Village area, the Brewery District, the Arena District, at downtown condos like Miranova, Waterford Tower and North Bank Condominiums, the Whittier Peninsula Development, the Scioto Mile, Grandview Heights, the Hilltop area and throughout the Southwest area. This would not only affect the quality of life for thousands of residents but also for businesses relying on outdoor activities such as outdoor dining.

Green Lawn Cemetery is home to thousands of migrating birds. The location is a favorite of area bird watchers and families, and has been designated and important bird area by the Ohio Audubon Society. Studies have shown that loud noise creates an inhospitable environment for birds, interfering with or destroying their migrating patterns.

The nearby Whittier Peninsula also attracts numerous species of migrating birds. High noise levels could affect migrating patterns and alter the vision for the city's planned Whittier Peninsula Parkland and Audubon Nature Center.

FRANKLINTON - For Franklinton homeowners looking to sell, the frequent sound of race car engines will likely reduce their potential selling price. Additionally, homes may not sell as quickly as potential buyers consider other less noisy options. It's similar to trying to sell a home near a railroad track or busy highway.

OTHER AREA'S PROPERTY VALUES - This same real estate risk may apply to homeowners in adjacent communities like German and Merion Village—neighborhoods known for their charm—downtown, the Brewery District, the Miranova and Waterford Tower condominiums, and the Southwest area. New properties within the planned Whittier Peninsula Redevelopment may also be affected.

PROPERTY DISCLOSURE - The legal liason of the Ohio Association of Realtors (OAR) has said Realtors representing buyers need to inform their clients about the potential risk of an off-site issue from the proposed speedway.

Realtors representing sellers are also advised to encourage clients to include the possibility of off-site noise from the proposed speedway on their property disclosure forms to avoid the potential for legal suits from buyers in the future.