MINOT — A group of area residents has hired a sound engineer to conduct a noise amplitude study to determine whether Hemond’s Moto X park, located on 500 acres of land between Woodman Hill and Center Minot Hill roads, meets requirements set forth in the town’s ordinance.

At its May meeting, the Planning Board received copies of the results of a study, commissioned by track owners Donald and Serae Hemond, and the consensus was the off-road motor bike track appeared to meet the town’s criteria that noise levels at property boundaries be lower than 55 decibels.

However, Tuesday night Center Minot Hill Road resident Richard Thayer told the Planning Board he questioned certain procedures and conditions under which the noise study was conducted.

Thayer said that the study was conducted during a practice session, not during a race day competitive event, and that several of the points where sound readings were taken lay well beyond property boundaries.

“I don’t want to be a crank,” said Thayer, “and I won’t complain as long as the study is fair. Let the sticks fall where they may; if he shows us he can meet (the noise criteria), then fine and dandy.”

The board also met with Rick Valentine from SurveyWorks to go over preliminary plans for a three- or four-lot subdivision intended for about 50 acres of land off Simion Road. A representative for Atlantic Homes, owner of the property, submitted a check in order that the land may be taken out of tree growth.

Valentine said he will be submitting a formal application at the board’s Aug. 5 meeting.

The board also agreed to schedule a public hearing on Aug. 5 to consider a proposal from AT&T Wireless Services Inc. to install a 190-foot antenna at 534 West Minot Road. Barry Hobbins, representing AT&T, explained that the antenna is part of a 70 antennae network in Maine through which AT&T intends to expand its digital wireless service.


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