City leaders want St. Marys homeowner to shut down unique front yard attraction

Leaders in one community have told a homeowner he must shut down an attraction in his front yard.

The city says the homemade Go Kart track on Celina Road is dangerous.

“We’ve been doing it for two years, and all of a sudden now it’s a problem?” owner Aaron Myers said.

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On Monday, Myers got a letter from the city suggesting he stop the operation, and that council “has expressed serious concerns” about the Go Kart track. The city also admitted it’s “not aware of any city ordinances” specifically banning the track, but that it “may be bordering on a violation of zoning law.”

Leaders say they’re worried about both aesthetics and safety, specifically because the track is close to the road, and told Myers if someone got hurt, he would be personally liable.

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Myers said all racers sign waivers before they get on the track and that he’s equipped the course to account for safety concerns.

“We’ve put out a safer barrier. I’ve drove a kart straight into that, it won’t move, so really safety is not too much of an issue. We always have a safety crew out here officiating, making sure everybody is driving within their means.”

Since there are no current violations of the law, Myers says he plans on keeping the homemade track.