The National Corvette Museum Motorsport Park in August 2014, prior to garage and pavilion construction. Images courtesy National Corvette Museum.
The ongoing dispute between residents of Clark Circle and the National Corvette Museum Motorsport Park may soon be coming to an end. On August 25, the track was granted permission to begin construction of a 1,630 linear foot earthen berm, fulfilling its obligation for a “noise abatement structure” as detailed in the original Binding Elements document that governed construction of the facility.
Per National Corvette Museum marketing and communications manager Katie Frassinelli, the berm will be one step in a noise mitigation plan that will likely involve the construction of additional barriers, pending the final report of Bowlby & Associates, the sound engineering company hired to perform the study. Though not required by the Binding Elements document, the track believes that the additional structures will demonstrate its efforts to be a good neighbor to those living in proximity to the facility.
The engineering survey showing the location of the berm (in dark gray). The track is at the top.
Prior to the start of berm construction, the track distributed the following letter via U.S. Mail to Clark Circle residents:
We would like to share an update with you on work at the Motorsports Park.
Most importantly, you should be seeing dirt-moving equipment and construction near the back of the Clark Circle properties that are nearest the Motorsports Park. On Tuesday, August 25th, we received the permit from the County to begin construction on a berm that is 1,630 linear feet long. The average height will be 14 feet high (range is 8 feet to 20 feet in various areas). Construction crews have been asked to expedite the process and get it completed as soon as possible (barring any issues with weather, sinkholes or major solid rock issues). We will not be disturbing any of the tree line behind those properties, but the berm will begin just past those trees.
In just a few weeks, we expect to receive a report from Bowlby & Associates, the acoustical engineering firm, for additional noise abatement structures to be built close to the track. While these additional structures are not required in the Binding Elements, the structures will provide even more sound control. Bowlby & Associates has reviewed the construction plan for the berm, and its noise reduction impact is incorporated into the overall acoustic design plan.
We were also told that the PA system could be heard from Clark Circle. We have redirected the direction of the speakers and that seems to have helped. The National Corvette Museum and the NCM Motorsports Park are committed to being a good neighbor and a facility that everyone is proud of. We believe that we can accomplish more by working together and communicating in a positive manner.
Even construction of the berm was not without obstacles, as the land on which it will be built was optioned by the track but not yet purchased. A deal was struck with the landowner, permitting construction to begin while details of the purchase are completed.
Despite being cited (on June 29) and fined (on August 21) by the Bowling Green City-County Planning Commission, the Motorsport Park remains open for business, and will host its next general admission high performance driving event on September 3 and 4, in conjunction with the National Corvette Museum’s 21st Anniversary Celebration.
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