Residents happy after hearing decision over controversial dirt bike track in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– After hours of pitching, pleading, and lots of interruption, a decision was finally made to decide if Salty Acres Adventure Park is in violation of operating a commercial enterprise without proper permits.

Located in Carl Meeks Road, in Rocky Point, the park is an Airbnb where residents can rent out the property and ride dirt bikes. The track was also the center of controversy, as there were many complaints by the nearby residents who claim the riders made disruptive noise and trespassed.  They also argued that the park is running a commercial business in a residential zone.

After hearing many voices of concern, Pender County sent a notice of violation to Chad Nichols, the owner of the park. Nichols then tried to appeal against that notice of violation.

After several protests and hearings, the board of adjustment made a decision on Wednesday, denying the appeal, and stating the park is in violation of operating a commercial enterprise without proper permits in a residential agricultural zone.

Nichols and his lawyer, Grady Richardson, weren’t too happy with the results.

“Make sure I get that order written as soon as it comes. We will be filing an appeal and a lawsuit,” said Richardson after hearing the board’s decision.

It’s not good news for them, but Julie Walker, a resident who lives nearby the park, is happy with the board’s decision

“We just want to be able to enjoy our land like everybody else around us, without hearing a racetrack,” said Walker.

In a statement sent to WWAY, Chad Nichols said, “Unfortunately, this is not the end of the process. We plan to appeal this decision. We are not operating a commercial business, so being cited for one is inconsistent with the facts, and we intend to pursue all available avenues to correct that.”