Western South Dakota's Only Ranch Station

Sturgis Council delays action on annexation of Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle property

STURGIS, S.D. – After a contentious hearing, the Sturgis City Council decided Monday night to delay a decision on whether or not annex the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Grounds into the city.

The group had wanted the city to delay action to give them more time to address their concerns.

While the group admits they want to pay their fair share, they are disappointed in what they say is a lack of communication regarding the issue from the city.

Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says the council has no ill-intent with their annexation request.

“The city has no interest whatsoever of them ceasing operations or change how they operate or anything like that. Also, the city cannot and is not trying to urge them to build housing on there or anything else. We want them to be able to continue – just inside city limits – and the reason for that is to help contribute towards the city property taxes to pay for city services.”

The Jackpine Gypsies says the annexation goes further than the potential for higher property taxes. He says the club is more concerned with city ordinances that may prevent the club from staging its races and other events on the grounds.

Ainslie says they want to work with them to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“We have had one meeting with them so far in which they did give us a list of some of those requests. Some of those requests, I think, are more than what the city can do. However, we are trying to hopefully meet halfway. I think at the heart of it of what they are looking for are assurances that they will be able to continue to operate.”

And, Ainslie addressed a claim that the group donated an easement to the city to finish a road, Moose Drive, that serves the property.

“The actual portion of Moose Drive that’s located right next to the Gypsies is located within the D.O.T.’s 300-foot easement, or right of way, that they have for the Interstate. That portion of Moose Drive is actually on property that’s owned by the D.O.T. and they purchased that in the 1960’s. So, that was property the  D.O.T. owned and they allowed Moose Drive to be built over it.”

The council voted 4 to 3, with one abstention, to delay an annexation vote. It will be taken up again on May 4th.

The council also delayed action on another annexation – the Murray Properties- to May 4th. Ainslie says they’re hoping to possibly set up a voluntary annexation resolution for that one.

People are also reading...

Weather

loader-image
Rapid City, US
3:20 am, March 29, 2024
temperature icon 44°F
overcast clouds
Humidity 65 %
Pressure 1006 mb
Wind 11 mph
Wind Gust: 18 mph
Visibility: 0 km
Sunrise: 6:38 am
Sunset: 7:16 pm

Market News

Share via
Copy link