Developers of the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex now say a proposed racetrack South of Hollister near Highways 65 and 86 is scheduled to open in March of 2014, and when it does, it will be allowed higher levels of noise than originally approved.

By a vote of 3 to 1, The Taney County Board of Adjustment changed its mind last night, and approved raising the sound level from a base of 68 decibels that was originally approved by Planning and Zoning, up to a spiked level of 73 decibels.  That number is still shy some 10 decibels the racetrack asked for in its second appeal.

Racetrack spokesman Nathan Adams was asked by HometownDailyNews.com if developers were happy with the outcome of the re-hearing – despite not getting everything they asked for.

Nathan Adams 2012A129

Another Planning and Zoning decision dealing with the racetrack development was also overturned last night on its second appeal. The Board of Adjustment said developers could phase in infrastructure as the project moved forward, rather than having all the road and sewer work done prior to building any offices or other facilities on site.

It’s likely the case will end up in court before any green flag is dropped at the track.  Several angry neighbors voiced their displeasure as they left the packed hearing room at the Taney County Courthouse, with some saying out loud, they would be filing lawsuits.

The four hour meeting itself was very emotional, with the board chairman pounding a gavel several times, asking for quiet from the boisterous crowd, relying on the sheriff to help restore order.

=====(2^nd Version)=====

Developers of the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex now say a proposed racetrack South of Hollister near Highways 65 and 86 is scheduled to open in March of 2014, and when it does, it will be allowed higher levels of noise than originally approved.

By a vote of 3 to 1, The Taney County Board of Adjustment changed its mind last night, and approved raising the base sound level from 68 decibels that was originally approved by Planning and Zoning, up to a spiked level of 73 decibels.  That number is still shy some 10 decibels the racetrack asked for in its second appeal. 

=====(3^rd Version)=====

 An emotional and drawn out meeting of the Taney County Board of Adjustment saw members approve a second appeal from developers of a proposed racetrack south of Hollister, near Highways 65 and 86.  While the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex was given original approval last summer by Planning and Zoning, a major restriction was lifted last night by the Board of Adjustment.

In a re-hearing, the Board approved letting developers build the infrastructure around the complex in stages, rather than complete ALL roads and sewers before any offices or other facilities are built on site. 

While several neighbors voiced their displeasure during the 4-hour meeting, that at times had to be silenced and called to order by the chairman, a racetrack spokesman said he was pleased with the outcome.  Nathan Adams talked with HometownDailyNews.com in the hallway outside the hearing room:

Nathan Adams 2012A130

The Board of Adjustment also overturned another original ruling somewhat, by agreeing to raise noise level restrictions at the track from a base level of 68 to a spiked level of 73 decibels.  But that’s still some 10 decibels shy of what the racetrack developer asked for.

That decision could be appealed in court, and some neighbors opposed to the overall project have threatened legal action as well. 

=====(4^th Version)=====

An emotional and drawn out meeting of the Taney County Board of Adjustment saw members approve a second appeal from developers of a proposed racetrack south of Hollister, near Highways 65 and 86.  While the Branson Sports Entertainment Complex was given original approval last summer by Planning and Zoning, a major restriction was lifted last night by the Board of Adjustment.

In a re-hearing, the Board approved letting developers build the infrastructure around the complex in stages, rather than complete ALL roads and sewers before any offices or other facilities are built on site. 

A spokesman for the racetrack says the complex is now scheduled to open in March of 2014.