Stearns Denies Changes to Allow Motocross Tracks

ST. CLOUD -- Residents of Stearns County won't be able to operate a motocross track on their property after the county board voted against changes to the Land Use and Zoning Ordinance.

The board voted 3-1 in opposing the changes.

Commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier was the lone vote in favor of the changes. He says many times, the worst is feared when changes are proposed, but most often those worst-case scenarios don't happen.  Lenzemeier says the applicants deserve a chance to prove they can coexist with their neighbors.

Proponents of motocross tracks can bring the request back in one year.

Opponents cited noise near their homes as the primary concern.