A BMX track in Lisbon failed because opposition overcame weak showings by backers when it counted.

I would like to thank Jonathan LaBonte for his article in the Nov. 23 edition of the Sun Journal titled, “Fight the NIMBYS.” I appreciate his well-written article and couldn’t agree with him more.

Maine BMX Inc., a nonprofit volunteer-run organization, was formed two years ago. Our goal is to bring BMX – bicycle motocross – racing back to Maine. Our mission is promoting BMX racing as an organized sport by supporting and maintaining a local BMX track, nourishing fair play and sportsmanlike conduct for families and riders, and by providing means and assistance for training riders for national competition.

Approximately three to five acres are needed to build a track and adequate parking. While motocross (dirtbike) tracks are similar, they are unsuited for BMX racing; the length of the track and size of the obstacles are too large.

Until recently, we hoped to build a track in Lisbon on the old landfill site on Pinewoods Rd. We had worked with the town’s recreation department, the town council and planning board. After objections from a small percentage of the Lisbon community (approximately 30 people), the town council reversed its decision to allow the project.

This was puzzling, since a recent survey by Lisbon’s revitalization committee revealed one of the communities’ top concerns was having more recreation facilities/opportunities for youth and seniors.

I respect and appreciate the process of allowing members of the community to voice their concerns, opinions and objections. But there were a few things that happened throughout the recent process that were disappointing.

First was the amount of misinformation circulated among those who became opposed to the track in Lisbon. They were led to believe that BMX races would be loud, that dirt bikes and quads (four-wheeled racers) would use the track and cause problems, and the project would “ruin the quality of life” of abutting and nearby property owners.

Once this information was circulated, it was virtually impossible to get project opponents to hear the truth. For example: we had agreed not to use a public address system, a fence would surround the track to keep dirt bikes and quads off (though they are now using the property illegally, I understand, a big liability to the town), and studies have shown that recreation opportunities can actually increase property values and quality of life.

Before Maine BMX submitted its application to the planning board, we hosted an informational meeting for abutting property owners and interested community members. Invitations were mailed to abutters. The only person who showed up was the owner of an adjacent mobile home park, who we knew was deeply opposed.

Where was everyone else? It was like they had already made up their minds and didn’t care to hear the truth.

The other unfortunate occurrence was the small number of supporters who attended the town meetings and were willing to get involved with the project at this early stage. We have many supporters and I am grateful for them. But I can’t ignore the fact that only a handful – if that – ever appeared at those important meetings or volunteered to help with tasks at hand. Supporters stated that once we had a location and started building the track, they would be there.

Again, their support is appreciated, but more help is needed now if we are even to get to that stage.

I am certain we are not the only group that has faced these types of challenges in venturing to provide a positive program for the youth and families of our communities. Other groups have undertaken similar projects and have given up after facing the same obstacles.

It remains to be seen if Maine BMX will succeed at bringing BMX racing back to Maine. I can only hope we will gain increased support from community leaders, that the NIMBYs will listen to the truth, and that more volunteers will take their place at the starting gate.

Kim Mitchell is coordinator of Maine BMX. She lives in Durham.