Mr. McGhee countered, telling commission members that he "strongly opposed" the designation.

"Layer upon layer of regulations are not something we can deal with," Mr. McGhee argued. "The regulations are strangling us."

The Maine native moved to the area and bought the Aiken training track from the city in 1997. The track was built in 1936 and is home to the Aiken Harness Races, the last leg of Aiken's celebrated Triple Crown.

Mr. McGhee has battled with the city for years to make changes to his property. In February, Aiken's Board of Zoning Appeals approved the construction of a restaurant, grooms quarters, a tack shop and a coin laundry on his property.

Soon after the board's decision, a petition, signed by several residents and members of Aiken's horse district, was filed with the city requesting that McGhees' Mile track be made a historical landmark.

Mr. McGhee contends that the petition was filed in bad faith and is an effort to restrict what he builds on his property. Petitioners disagree.

"I don't know anybody that's against the McGhees," said Jack Wetzel, co-owner of Ford Conger Field, the location of the second event of Aiken's Triple Crown. "I believe all of us should adhere to (historic) zoning."

Chairman Greg Smith said the commission could not question why the petition was filed and directed commission members not to talk to the media.

"We don't want this to be a vehicle to beat up on somebody," Mr. Smith said. "Don't let (the petition) disintegrate into mudslinging."

The historic commission still must review the historic landmark designation at its June 4 meeting. If the group decides the designation is appropriate, the city's planning commission and city council must review and approve the request for it to take hold.

Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 279-6895 or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com.