New Jersey Motorsports Park

[turboICE]

240sx - it is a truck engine afterall.

I agree it is good to have agreements on how to deal with logistics like sound in advance. And anything that includes the ability to remedy sound rather than eliminating it is a very good thing.

I am excited with the entire prospect and given the people doing it have high expectations and confidence it will be done right for all involved, racers and community included.

I guess I just took the opportunity one more time to express how much the population around LRP really ticks me off, the track was there before them and before they were so uppity out there.

[benspeed]

Thanks for the meeting recap - excellent news!

[pgipson]

It;s interesting to compare this track development with the experiences in Phoenix of Arizona Motorsports Park. Another track built adjacent to an airport (in this case an Air Force base).

There are large housing developments located about 1 mile away. The noise complaints began with the first weekend event, an SCCA double regional. Eventually noise levels during events were measured outside the closest houses and db readings in the low 50's were recorded. That is a lower noise level than you find in a typical office! The complaints continued and escalated until the county revoked the track operating permit.

While noise was the cause it was not cited in the revocation. The county went after other aspects of the track operation, including certain statements made by a track "representative" that the facility would not be a commercial operation and would be used by the owner and his "friends". While these were not restrictions on the track per se, the county supervisors concluded the permit was issued based on misleading statements and voted to shut down the track.

The issue is now in litigation, and the track is negotiating with the county to get a new operating permit.

In this case, there are definitive noise standards agreed to up front. That would seem to be a logical and prudent action.

[Greg Amy]

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 22 2005, 10:38 AM
The land is adjacent to Millville Airport, and from what I understand, the FAA has to grant clearances to land this close to an airport.

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As a pilot, I can tell you that this is not a slam-dunk, in any way, shape, or form.

The FAA and the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (www.aopa.org) are very much against granting waivers for any use of land or zoning changes unrelated to aviation. The primary reason is that these waivers tend to be abused in the long run; it's not too far along where you'd expect suburbia to encroach on the racetrack and airport boundaries, making the land far, far more valuable as subdivisions than a racetrack. Soon, everyone is complaining about the airplane and racetrack noise, the racetrack gets sold, the airport boundaries are compromised, and then the airport gets threatened with closure. This country loses, on average, a public-use airport per week.

Finally, any easements in airport property limit its ability to expand as necessary in the future; once gone, never to be seen again. Here's a circular at the AOPA web site in regards to compatible airport land use:

http://www.aopa.org/asn/land_use/part2.pdf

Personally, I'm mixed; I'd like to see a new racetrack in the region as much as anyone. However, given the choice between saving an airport and building a new racetrack I'm going to support the airport. - GA

[philstireservice]

I have checked the real estate in this area, after reading about the proposed track, and it is definitely a "needy" area. I would think it is not such a desirable location for a home when you have an airport, and now the possibility of a race track, in the area. Well maybe.......... if you have a motorsport related business ....

[turboICE]

I think raceway park felt similarly about the desirability of their surrounding land - and all the locals want them closed now.

In the end if there is any imrpovement in the area which would be a desirable outcome of any project - they will eventually want the track gone saying it is a nuisance.

[lateapex911]

To the best of my knowledge, the houses surrounding Lime Rock pre date the track (and it's what, the 2nd or 3rd oldest track in the coutry?), and often by a considerable amount. The church across the street is WAY older....maybe a hundred years older.

When Lime Rock was originally conceived, the community and Jim Vail, the tracks bull dozer driving originator met and decided on a set of operating standards in an attempt to protect the community.

Whether the local residents' attitudes are to your liking or not, the houses and community were in place looong before the track, and the agreements have been inplace forever.

(Perhaps the specifics of the agreements has been modified slightly over the years, but the original intent has always been to peacfully co-exist with the community that has a significant number of houses, and a community church, that are in very close proximity to the track in several locations.)

(And while this might seem like a very pro Lime Rock post, trust me, the track has not covered itself in glory recently in it's business dealings to my eyes....lwith actions like a near doubling of it's fees, {$42,000 for a friday/saturday race rental}, a technique of promising things then failing to deliver, and a generally poor attitude.)

[emwavey]

Originally posted by GregAmy@Nov 22 2005, 06:51 PM
As a pilot, I can tell you that this is not a slam-dunk, in any way, shape, or form.

The FAA and the Aircraft Owner's and Pilot's Association (www.aopa.org) are very much against granting waivers for any use of land or zoning changes unrelated to aviation. The primary reason is that these waivers tend to be abused in the long run; it's not too far along where you'd expect suburbia to encroach on the racetrack and airport boundaries, making the land far, far more valuable as subdivisions than a racetrack. Soon, everyone is complaining about the airplane and racetrack noise, the racetrack gets sold, the airport boundaries are compromised, and then the airport gets threatened with closure. This country loses, on average, a public-use airport per week.

Finally, any easements in airport property limit its ability to expand as necessary in the future; once gone, never to be seen again. Here's a circular at the AOPA web site in regards to compatible airport land use:

http://www.aopa.org/asn/land_use/part2.pdf

Personally, I'm mixed; I'd like to see a new racetrack in the region as much as anyone. However, given the choice between saving an airport and building a new racetrack I'm going to support the airport. - GA

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Greg,

Don't get me wrong, I'm still not completely sold this whole thing is going to happen. I work for the FAA and I understand some of the legalities that can crop up and drown projects.

The reason I'm confident about this has nothing to do with what we see or read in the news. It has more to do with whom the project leaders are, who they know, and how the town, county and state perceives this. This isn't the first proposal for this land, however this is the first proposal that seems to make the most sense for this community.

If and when this track is built I don't see the airport going away, I see it's air traffic increasing. Instead of folks flying commercially into ACY or PHY, I can see private aircraft flying in, taking a shuttle to the track, then a limo to the casinos or to the Millville arts district.

Two things to consider: The town is connected to the history of this airport, since it is considered "America's First Defense Airport", [ http://www.millvilleairport.com ]and part of the reason why they see this project more as a protection-of rather then an encroachment-on the airport.
The second and one that directly addresses your concern is: The land being used was already zoned as commercial property, and just happens to be adjacent to the airport. If this Thunderbolt Raceway/Millville Motorsports Project didn't snag it someone else would have. Millville doesn't want subdivisions there, or a Home-Mart and I would imagine neather does AOPA or the FAA.

Anyone else interested in co-ownership of a trackside condo?

[benspeed]

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 23 2005, 04:15 PM


Anyone else interested in co-ownership of a trackside condo?

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Yes - I'll put down $$ for a spec condo! Who to contact?

Thanks,

[Greg Amy]

Thanks, Dave, I appreciate the response. In fact, it appears that AOPA is already well ware and involved in the process; I contact the ASN volunteer for MIV and he responded:

"Thank you I have been aware and following for some time now. I have addressed concerns with DRBA and have been keeping AOPA aware. They have worked with this developer on several other locations near or next to airports."

So, it sounds like everyone's working with everyone else to make sure this is a smooth transition.

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 23 2005, 10:15 AM
Instead of folks flying commercially into ACY or PHY, I can see private aircraft flying in...

Like me, if I can talk Matt into driving the rig there solo...

The land being used was already zoned as commercial property...

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Further good news. Somehow I was under the impression this was airport property that was being released.

And, I'm encouraged to hear that the town is a supporter! So, when's our first event, Ben? - GA

[emwavey]

Originally posted by benspeed@Nov 23 2005, 04:41 PM
Yes - I'll put down $$ for a spec condo! Who to contact?

Thanks,

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The town of Millville is holding it's annual Christmas parade this evening, (Friday, Nov. 25th) JD King, member of the green flag committee, and Don Faurbach (sp?), one of the folks in "the-know", will be there as well. I'll ask one those folks and see when they will start taking deposits on the condos.

[emwavey]

I did actually remember to ask about the condos. Deposits won't be taken until after ground breaking.

The outside design of the condos are pretty set, and there will be a balcony overlooking the track, however the interior has been, as my source said, "... redesigned a few times".

The basic layout will be;
ground floor - garage,
second floor - living space (living room, eating area, kitchen, 1/2 bath),
third floor - bedroom(s) and bath.

The higher priced of the 2 optional condos will be in the mid to upper 300K area.

The parade was pretty cool. Despite just having undergone surgery and November 25th being his wedding anniversary, the mayor was on the Thunderbolt Raceway float, amongst some youngsters and their go-karting trophies. Following the float was a Roush Mustang, a SSC Mini Cooper, an ITE 3 Series Beemer, a Daytona Cobra Kit Car (said to have cost in excess of 100K... and it showed), a Sunbeam Tiger, and bringing up the rear, yours truly in, a well worn ITA CRX and behind me, was an RV with Thunderbolt banners on each side. Two cars dropped out, one before the parade got underway and one after about 8 blocks or so.

The experience was pretty cool, I had a friend's son, Max, in the car with me and we handed out a few SJR SCCA stickers that were stuffed in my glove compartment. About mid-parade, Max's father gave us a stack of Thunderbolt stickers (he was walking and handing them out). Lots of gawkers, some requests for a burn-out (what do you expect them to say?) and a few brave enough to engage a brief conversation.

One kid walked up to the car and asked if he could shoot a little video. Being a bit of a ham I said "Of course".
He remarked, "... this is my dream car".
I replied, "mine too". I smiled and got a little teary-eyed.

This whole racing thing is a dream come true. From the first time I saw my first ITA CRX at Road Atlanta I felt an unexplainable urge to do this. The brief encounter at the parade was an incredible reminder of just how blessed/thankful I am. It's most appropriate that the parade was the day after Thanksgiving.

[mgyip]

Originally posted by emwavey@Nov 29 2005, 05:50 PM
One kid walked up to the car and asked if he could shoot a little video. Being a bit of a ham I said "Of course".
He remarked, "... this is my dream car".
I replied, "mine too". I smiled and got a little teary-eyed.

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So you're saying that this kid had low expectations, eh?

Don't worry, Rob Troxell's son says that the General Li is his favorite car in the MARRS series after his father's (of course). I wonder if Rob shouldn't be teaching his son to set his sights higher - MUCH higher

[alberto_mg]

I know a bunch of the Bridgehampton guys who fought the closure of that track for years. Guy Frost in particular might have some input suggestions regarding this. You can reach him at [email protected]

[emwavey]

Originally posted by mgyip@Nov 30 2005, 08:48 PM
So you're saying that this kid had low expectations, eh?

naw, it's like making a wish for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

[gwalsh]

Has anyone heard any info about the planning board meeting last week concerning Thunderbolt Raceway? There's nothing on the website.

[aeronca65t]

I just got it from one of the EMRA guys.
Sounds like we should get on the phone, e-mail, snail
mail, whatever....
Any messages sent should emphasize the postitive aspects of this new race track on the economy of South Jersey.,

Thanks,

N.McCabe / EMRA RaceChair

____________ _________ _________ _________ ______

Our final hurdle is to see Governor Corzine sign the
Sports and Entertainment District legislation (Bill #
A 1054) that has been approved in the NJ Assembly and
not yet heard in the senate economic growth committee
and the full senate. The bill needs to be signed by
Governor Corzine in December for NJMP to break ground
in Feb-March 2007. Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, the
leading sponsor of A 1054 has asked that we all
respectfully contact Senator Ray Lesniak, who holds
the keys to the senate approval of the bill. Senator
Lesniak chairs the senate economic growth committee,
and he must agree to hearing the unaltered version of
the assembly bill A 1054 in his committee and release
the bill to the full senate, where Senate President
Codey must agree to place the bill for a full senate
vote. Senator Lesniak can be contacted as follows:
senlesniak@njleg. org <mailto:senlesniak% 40njleg.org>
telephone: 908 624 0880

Please take a minute and send an e-mail to Senator
Lesniak urging him to support this important piece of
legislation! !!!!! Let your voice be heard and prepare
to race on a new track in 2008 !!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,

Joe Volpe.
NJMP Green Flag Committee

[benspeed]

I&#39;m from NJ and will send a letter.

[PDoane]

A newspaper article last week said it had finally cleared the committee, gone to the full Senate.

[wdether]

I believe there are two Senate voting sessions next week, Monday the 11th and Thursday the 14th. I visited the Legislature&#39;s website today and looked at the bills up for vote on Monday but did not see A1054 listed. The slate of bills up for vote on Thursday have not been posted yet. I will post here if I see/hear any developments.

Bill Etherington
NNJR