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ESCANABA TWP. -- Sixteen acres of dirt will soon become an ice racing wonderland in Escanaba Township. With less snow than the rest of the U.P., Delta County can't compete in skiing and snowmobiling, but ice racing has a large local draw.

"We don't get a lot of snow, but we can make ice.  People are looking for a track; they can come here to race, and we believe this is going to have a positive economic effect on the community," said property owner Bob Barron.

The new track for racing ATVs and motorcycles requires some excavation before it's flooded, which Barron began last month. But the entire project could soon be put on ice in more ways than one.

While the Barrons claim they already got the only permit they need to excavate the property from the Delta County Soil Conservation District, Escanaba Township says they need a permit from them as well, and they haven't received an application just yet.

"They're supposed to get a grading permit and a site plan," said Kevin Dubord. "A site plan is required on any zoning other than residential."

The township also takes issue with the fact that the noisy race spot is within 1,000 feet of 19 homes.

"Basically it's just not allowed," Dubord said.

But the Barrons say the property has been for industrial purposes for nearly six decades, and they don't need a special township permit for the excavation they're doing.

"It's no different than if you're tilling your garden in this township...you don't have to get a permit to do that," Barron said. "We're not doing something that hasn't already been done."

The track is almost complete, so now what? The township is asking the Barrons to cease construction or they'll take them straight to court. As for the Barrons, they plan to fight for their project until the end.