Neighbors to the property say the extra traffic, sounds and lights will make the Meltons' proposed horse arena a public nuisance. The Warren County Planning and Zoning board approved a two-year conditional use permit last Thursday to allow the Meltons to operate a recreational facility already built on their property located on Pin Oak Road south of Truxton and just off Highway A. The board voted 6-0 with Kelly Hardcastle absent to grant the permit. Opponents to the facility questioned whether the arena was needed in the area. "I want peace and quiet," Elmer Johnson said. Residents can file an appeal with the county commissioners within 10 days after the permit is signed by Board Chairman Rick Brandt, which is expected to be done sometime this week. A decision to uphold the CUP would then be made by the commissioners. The Meltons also could file an appeal to protest the criteria established by the planning and zoning board. No events could be held while the permit is being appealed, according to commissioners. A public hearing was held last month for both sides to state their cases. Opponents to the horse arena said they felt the planning and zoning board ignored their pleas to not grant the permit. "They had their mind made up," said Vickie Hodges about the planning and zoning board members. The Meltons believe their facility could attract families and others looking for local entertainment. They estimated their closest neighbor to be 1,500 feet away. "They are just grumpy people," Mike Melton said. "You can't make everyone happy." The planning and zoning board imposed the following conditions for the Meltons before granting the permit: * Only two events can be held each month and only for a two-day span. The hours of operation have been set from 5-11 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays. When a holiday is on a Monday (i.e. Memorial Day), an event can be held on any two days with slightly different hours (Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; and Monday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.) ðð * Only two weekday practices will be allowed each week, beginning at 4 p.m. and concluding at 9 p.m. * No rough events such as bull riding or bronco riding will be allowed. * The noise coming from the PA system may be no louder than 50 decibels at the property line. No announcing will be allowed beyond the hours of operation. * No alcohol will be allowed on the premises and camping facilities cannot be installed. Should the Meltons file an appeal, they hope some of the time restraints become more relaxed. They want to be able to hold more events every month and be able to go later into the night. "The conditions are a little tight, but we will deal with it," Maureen Melton said. The Meltons have lived in Warren County for 10 years, but don't live on the near 100-acre property where the arena is located. They said they have owned the property for over a year and estimated to have spent $75,000 on the arena facility. They spend most weekends traveling to various rodeo events. Cape Girardeau is one of the closest cities where a competition is held, according to Mike Melton. Entry fees will be paid by participants, but there will not be an admission charge, Mike Melton said. He plans on usinjg local organizations such as 4-H or FFA clubs to sell concessions. "We just want to have a good time," he remarked. "This is a youth organization that our kids are in." Immediately after last Thursday's approval, opponents were already planning their next course of action. Should the commissioners support the permit, Jim Grassmuck, a nearby property owner, said it's likely a lawsuit will be filed to continue the fight against the Meltons. "I don't know what we did to deserve this," he said. "It should be called a public nuisance." Brandt acknowledged the Meltons held events in the last month despite not having board approval. He said it wasn't uncommon for applicants to do so, but added the board wouldn't hesitate to pull the permit should a guideline be ignored. "It's a very good time frame to see how it works," Brandt said.