Comments on Ghentlemen, start your engines?

Unmuffled commented on 'Ghentlemen, start your engines?'

2011-09-15T16:44:43Z

I went with my husband, who manages two properties out in that area. He attended at a client's request.

And yes, Nero sent a letter of support. There was no confusion about his involvement.

I, too, had the distinct impression this could be a test to see if motocross was a viable enterprise at that location. Autry described himself as "passionate" about the sport and seemed to have an issue with the people who run the Claverack track -- so maybe he's inspired to be a competitor. He also admitted that he would like to do more than one of these events a year. He talked about pursuing sponsorships and how this provided an opportunity for him to begin giving back to his community. He didn't leave the impression this was a casual undertaking.

And yes, according to the residents in attendance, Ghent specifically prohibits motocross as an acceptable use. But that never entered into the larger discussion. Apparently that prohibition played no part in Raab's denial of the original event application. It was all about 'event' v. 'use.' A very narrow question.

Hudson commented on 'Ghentlemen, start your engines?'

2011-09-15T15:04:28Z

Also, as I heard it Ghent has prohibitions against these types of tracks, so some feel the request for a special event permit may be an improper end-around.

Hudson commented on 'Ghentlemen, start your engines?'

2011-09-15T14:55:33Z

Thanks for the informative report, Lynn. What inspired you to attend a Ghent meeting?

I heard from another attendee that Nero sent a letter of support. Some neighbors seem mainly afraid that this one-time event is a stalking horse for a permanent facility. (The concerned neighbors include at least one motorcycle enthusiast, by the way.)

Matt Murrell was a co-owner of Meadowgreens, and is a smart, reasonable, friendly guy. If he is still involved, I would think he'd be a good person for concerned neighbors to approach.

Unmuffled commented on 'Ghentlemen, start your engines?'

2011-09-15T14:40:29Z

Sam,

I attended this meeting. The application presentation to the Ghent Planning Board was made by Michael Autry of West Ghent, the promoter/leasee. Carmine Nero did not appear. The board delayed the start of the proceedings in an attempt to reach Nero but he didn't answer at home or on his mobile. The purpose of last night's meeting was very narrow -- the board was asked to determine if the proposed activity was an "event" (a one-time a year occurrence) or "use" (an activity or event happening more than once a year). It decided in the applicant's favor, finding that this was an event. The discussion raised some significant issues related the use of Meadowgreens as a venue for multiple events, and how the town zoning laws are a bit hazy on how to deal with those issues.

The motocross was originally planned for next month, but Autry said last night because of the delay in securing town permission (he made application in early summer), it will now be held in Oct. 2012. It is a two-day event (vendors -- all local, he said -- will set up Friday night). Racing runs from 10 to 5, Sat. and "start later and end earlier" Sun. Autry denied there would be any construction involved, but did admit he will at least plow up some areas and remove a group of sumacs. He will put in a portable/removable starting gate but no jumps will be built. This will all happen "behind the 7th fairway," on the backside of the property, away from Route 9H. His estimated turnout: 300 participants and 200 spectators. Most, if not all, will stay in the campgrounds. Autry's plan for event security was vague -- a couple of friends "who own a security company" are going to help out.

He will spend an estimated $7,000 to $9,000 to stage these races.

Aside from Gil Raab, the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the audience was made up of Meadowgreens' neighbors. Noise was the biggest concern -- around this event, and in general. They're not happy with how Meadowgreens is being used/managed; the consensus seemed to be that Nero has always been a bad neighbor but matters have gotten worse since the building burned. The neighbors brought other events to the board's attention. Raab denied knowing snowmobile races and mud bog events (large vehicles with even larger tires driving through a giant mud puddle) were happening. Several made the observation that spending $7,000 to $9,000 was a considerable investment for a one-time event.

I'm sure this story will continue....

Lynn Sloneker