Colonial Downs’ bid to host motorcycle racing met with staunch opposition

Concerned residents from the Brickshire community in New Kent County are organizing over a problem that they assumed had been resolved 10 years ago.

More than 50 community members from the area that surrounds Colonial Downs attended Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. At issue is Colonial Downs’ intent to bring motorcycle racing back to the race track. Track officials have requested a county-issued cultural events permit to allow the April races to proceed.

In 2003, Colonial Downs pursued motorcycle racing as another source of income for the track. During that time, Brickshire was home to only about 50 residents who complained then about the noise that motorcycles would produce. Now the subdivision boasts 642 residents, and fear of a similar situation has reemerged.

Several in the delegation addressed supervisors during the board’s public comment session.

“This event would disturb the rural nature of the county,” said Brickshire resident Donna Friend. “[Colonial Downs’] success should not be dependent on motorcycle racing.”

Residents complained that noise produced from the motorcycle event would violate what is considered a quiet area. The proposed event seems like a violation of what was promised by realtors as a peaceful community, according to residents.

Several voiced opinions on the levels of noise produced. Citizens commented that they can hear noise from regular horse racing events from their homes, and that’s just the beginning of their concerns. Citizens adamantly urged supervisors to think about financial impact to the county, including the possibility of devaluing property and deterring clientele from investing. Other concerns stemmed from community safety if such an event is held.

“I am concerned about organized motorcycle gangs,” said Don Fowler, who resides in Oakmont Villas. “An increase in the number of these gangs along the East Coast concerns me, and they are likely to attend these events, and even participate in them.”

“I’d like the board to reject this application until proper and simulated testing with all parties involved are addressed,” added Jan Haviland.

Even though citizens are asking the board to deny the permit for the event, the community’s relationship with Colonial Downs remains strong.

“Colonial Downs has been an ideal neighbor and a great group to work with,” said Dan Fowler, an 85 year-old who moved to New Kent with his wife upon retirement. “I am concerned that money is important when this decision is made. We don’t want to give up peace and quiet to that type of decision.”

Leo Vozel, a member of the Brickshire board of directors, said proactive steps are being taken in addressing the situation.

“I am here at this meeting to gather facts from community members,” he said. “I have invited [Colonial Downs president] Ian Stewart to a town meeting and he has accepted to address concerns of the citizens.”

That meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Brickshire Proprietor building and is expected to have an impact on supervisors’ decision.

County administrator Rodney Hathaway addressed those in attendance concerning the difficulty of enforcing the county’s noise ordinance.

“Because they are zoned agricultural and not a PUD [planned unit development], they do not have to abide by those [noise] standards,” he said. “The permit came in last week and is in the process of being looked at.”

The permit now under consideration is an appeal, according to Hathaway. The original permit was denied earlier due to a variety of concerns.

“This is the first time they have requested a permit like this in 10 years,” continued Hathaway. “It’s a one-day event from 12-4 p.m.”

District 4 supervisor Ron Stiers was awestruck when he heard about the attempt to obtain the permit.

“I met with Ian Stewart on Nov. 27 and advised him to meet with the Brickshire homeowner’s board,” he said. “I am caught off guard with him asking for this permit.”

Citizens are looking for a conclusion that satisfies both parties.

“I just want to make sure that they have time to conduct proper tests and meet the community,” concluded Brickshire resident Bill O’Keefe. “Kind of ironic they filed a permit request without doing those things.”