Laurens County Council this week gave 1st reading approval of a new ordinance to regulate motor sport facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county. Councilman David Pitts was among council member in favor of the new ordinance, saying “This ordinance is the beginning of zoning regulation in the county, and that is why I am for it.” Voting “no” was Councilman Joe Wood, who said “Different strokes for different folks. No one complains about the noise from football games….trains. We can’t write laws that just please ourselves,” added Joe Wood.
There were also comments on the Motor Sorts Facilities ordinance from the visiting public. County residents Jerry Miller and Jim Royer voiced their support of the regulations, but both said the regulations don’t go far enough and do not even compare to OSHA regulations for workers dealing with loud noises. Both said they believe the ordinance is in anticipation of a proposed raceway near Highway 418, but that was not confirmed by comments from council.