A Maryland father, Charles Siperko, has faced backlash from his neighbors for building a half-mile go-kart track on their 11-acre property for his 11-year-old son, who is passionate about motorsports. Siperko, the CEO of KCS Roofing, started constructing the track in the Highland Community of Howard County in August, sparking disapproval from community members. The father defended his decision, stating that his son’s love for racing could lead to a professional career, but the journey is challenging.
His son had been traveling to Florida to practice racing, missing out on social events and time with friends and family. To support his child’s dream, Siperko invested over $100,000 in creating the practice course at home. The asphalt track includes various elements such as a straight-away, S-turns, tight corners, and a complete 360-circle. However, construction was halted by the county due to the lack of proper permits obtained through the county and Maryland Department of the Environment.
Neighbors raised concerns about several issues, including the destruction of wetlands, noise, impact on property value, and traffic problems. The property is located 1,000 feet off the main road, hidden by trees and brush. Siperko admitted he was unaware of the need for permits to build the track and claimed that he trusted the asphalt company’s advice that no permit was required since the pavement wasn’t connecting to a public road.
In response to the complaints, the family retroactively filed for a conditional use application to classify the track as an “athletic facility” and engaged a land attorney for assistance. Siperko assured that only electric motors would be used and the go-karts would only be driven during specific times to minimize noise disturbances. Some neighbors expressed concerns about the impact of tire debris on the environment, as microplastics could be shed into the wetlands.
Advocates calling for the track’s removal attended a pre-submission community meeting to discuss the track’s potential impact on the community. Siperko and his wife called for public support to defend their son’s passion for racing. They emphasized that the track is not just a recreational space but a testament to their son’s dedication and love for the sport. Despite efforts to address setbacks and noise concerns, some residents continue to demand the removal of the track due to aesthetic reasons and not wanting it in their neighborhood.
