Colonial Downs submits CUP for 2014 motorcycle race

Motorcycle racing could be returning to Colonial Downs after supervisors agreed to have a conditional use permit (CUP) forwarded to New Kent’s Planning Commission for consideration.

Ian Stewart, president of Colonial Downs, submitted an application for a permit allowing the American Motorcycle Association’s (AMA) Virginia Mega Mile to return to the New Kent County racetrack on Aug. 23, 2014.

Stewart said conditions for the new CUP would be similar to last year’s with the exception of the time of the event and the implementation of a rain date. According to the president, the event would commence at 4 p.m., instead of the 1 p.m. start from last August’s running. The rain date could be the following date, but that decision is not set in stone.

“Last year, we complied with our CUP, especially when the issue of noise was raised,” said Stewart. “As you can see by our numbers, we were way below our maximum level.”

Earlier this year, residents raised concerns over the possibility of extreme noise levels at last August’s event, speaking out at numerous public hearings and town halls. Results from testing, however, revealed noise levels ranging between 45-75 decibels, considerably lower than the 105 maximum allowed for the event.

“I think they did a great job last year with the testing,” said District 4 representative Ron Stiers. “The most noise came from local residents using lawnmowers or completing other daily tasks.”

Supervisors also agreed that no new tests for noise level will be required for the CUP.

A public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 16 planning commission meeting.