Three families in the village of Biassono took SIAS - the circuit management company for Monza - to court in 2001, and the matter has been in litigation limbo ever since. It was a noise issue - like that experienced by Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey CA. the neighbours don't like the noise, even though they moved in knowing there was a nearby race track. For years at Laguna the track has had to limited the number of 'Sound' events to five weekends per year, and keep the db limits lower for all other events. This is in an area which thrives on tourism, which means big bucks. Biassono Mayor, MICHELE FAGLIA, had the same situation, and when the various Italian court appeals ruled in favour of the neighbours, he took matters into his own hands. Faglia explained the facts of life to the families, pointing out the economic damage, and that their neighbours wouldn't like them. The Biassono compromise-now a written agreement-is similar to Laguna's resolution - limit the noisy days and try to mitigate the "acoustic pollution with noise-absorbing barriers built by specialised companies."
When the parties go back to Court Friday, the agreement will be entered into evidence. In the meantime, Monza is continuing its active search for a replacement venue for the six-hour endurance sports car race with hopes for its announcement at the Istanbul event.
Wednesday's weather in Melbourne is beaut! Warm and sunny with a cloudless sky. At least for now.
