ROSWELL, Ga. — Andretti Indoor Karting and Games in Roswell wants permission to build two outdoor go-kart tracks in its parking lot, but some business have expressed concerns about the noise and smell.
"The noise and the smell that will go with (the tracks) are going to make it difficult for us to do our work outside without distraction," said Jim Gebhardt, owner of California Car Company, located right across Alpharetta Highway from Andretti.
Gebhardt is one of nearly a dozen Roswell business owners who have signed a petition opposing the outdoor go-kart track proposal. He believes Andretti has been a good neighbor and a good asset to the local business community, but he's afraid an outdoor go-kart track will turn them into a liability for everyone.
Andretti is asking the Roswell City Council to approve its plan to add outdoor racing. After two sound studies showed acceptable decibel levels, the city planning commission gave it's thumbs up to the proposal.
"More often than not, they won't even know we're here," Andretti general manager Warren Fondu told Channel 2 Action News reporter Richard Elliot. He said Andretti wants to be a good neighbor to residents and businesses, and he believes a successful outdoor go-kart track can only help nearby businesses.
"The increased awareness of this area, let's call it a half-mile square area, will likely mean new eyes, new feet and new wallets here," said Fondu.
The Roswell City Council could vote on the proposal next week.
WSBTV
