After listening to proponents and opponents, the Belle Isle Advisory Committee voted Thursday to keep the Grand Prix on the island for the next three to five years.
The recommendation now goes before the Department of Natural Resources, which will make a final decision, Jessica Dupnack of Fox 2 reports.
Citizens packed the hearing at the Nature Center on Belle Isle. Some said the Grand Prix helps pay for upkeep of the island.
"There are a lot more thing to protest, more things that need protesting than this," Lance Smith tells Fox 2. He works on helping set up the track at the island's west end. "We take care of our end of the island, we cut the grass, we keep it looking good," Smith said. "Because we know we will be seen all over the world."
But opponents are passionate.
"There is not enough time to categorically refute all the garbage the DNR has spewed in support of its plan in support of the devastation of our island," says one race critic.
Earlier coverage:
Betzold: Lack of Transparency and Conflicts Plague Grand Prix Belle Isle Deal
