Minutes 02-28-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Jimmy Johnson's first ASA win. The area has some modest homes, Go-Kart track, a rock quarry, farms, a lot of horse owners, and a more than generous supply of deer and turkeys along with the Speedway. The Speedway is located on 118 acres, mostly wood land that host racing events for fans of local racing. In the recent past, OCS drivers have included not only the Good Ole Boy Motorheads and the automotive related business man, but also a pharmacist, law enforcement officer, a County Economic Development Director, a data processing manager, and the list of business professionals goes on and on. Since reopening in 2006, over 196,000 fans have made the trek to the Speedway and along the way stopped, shopped and stayed in Orange County. That number would have been higher, but given the economy over the last two years our fan based has suffered. To be a good neighbor, the Speedway has also partnered with the Orange Relay for Life when they ceased to use the high school. The facility is provided at no cost to the event. The Speedway is a willing participant in the community. We assist with funding activities of local groups. We have hosted the Occoneechee Boy Scout Council and other Non-Profits on several occasions. Only in recent weeks and by mere chance, did we hear of the Unified Development Ordinance discussions has reached this point. I attribute this to the lack of a Representative from our Township on the Planning Board. I spent Sunday afternoon reading the entire document. Since the conclusion of the Speedway Highway 57 Small Area Plan meetings, I have been in contact with Planning Staff over the past several years to determine what would come of the results. Our business had no idea the UDO was to this point. Our concern is how this ordinance will affect our ability to not only continue with our current activities, but utilize the property for other recreational activities. The Speedway has inquired other the past several years about the possibility to build a horse show facility to operate when non-racing activities are held, host the occasional music and other recreational events. I have been the Director of Operations of five years. Until last month, I was the only full-time employee. With the economy as it is, I have taken a 2/3 pay cut yet I have decided to continue my association to see that all the hard work and dedication the owners, staff, myself and fans have put into the Speedway is not in vain. We understand everyone is not a race fan. Actually, I am not. But I understand the feelings Orange County Speedway stirs in folks from Maine to Daytona. I recognized the potential this facility has. The Speedway is a regionally recognized leader in grass roots racing. The owner, staff and I do not see this facility as a Legal Non- conforming place, but a recreational area for lovers of motorsports that can adapt and utilize the property for horseman and others alike. Orange County, other local businesses and the region benefit when the Speedway operates. Our racing season is typically March to November. This year, the Speedway will only run 11 events. The Speedway must be allowed to expand opportunities for the property use other than racing. Our concerns from the Ordinance include: Lack of a representative from our township during this process. Lack of promised commercial area for current businesses located in area reviewed during the 2006 Speedway Highway 57 Small Area Planning Meetings. Current Sign Removal within a year if not meeting compliance. Wording of regarding - use ceasing for 180 days within a two-year period shall conform to the regulations. I have a degree in Animal Science, was employed by NCSU Extension Horse Husbandry for 15 years and have been an Equine trainer and owner for over 40 years and I disagree with the horse activities being lumped in with kennel standards. The breeding, training