New Kent supervisors approve CUP amendment for Colonial Downs

Following the recommendation of New Kent’s Planning Commission, county supervisors voted unanimously to approve an amendment to a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing Colonial Downs to host accessory events. Those events include the county fair, rodeos, and running events. That amendment, however, excludes events such as truck-pulling, mud bogs, and monster trucks.

The amendment, that applies to the CUP adopted in 2002, removes language in the CUP that requires track officials to hold a current and valid pari-mutuel horseracing license issued by the Virginia Racing Commission. Last October, Colonial Downs’ owner Jeff Jacobs surrendered the racetrack’s license to the VRC.

Action took place during the Feb. 9 regular monthly meeting. After a public hearing with only two speakers, supervisors addressed the amendment.

“Goochland holds an event that brings in 30 to 40 thousand people in two and a half days,” said District 5 representative Ray Davis. “With that facility, I hope we can do the same thing.”

Keying approval of the amendment is a one-year expiration date. With pending bills in Virginia’s General Assembly that are attempting to bring horse racing back to Colonial Downs, supervisors approved the extra precaution.

District 4 Supervisor Ron Stiers, who represents the area around Colonial Downs, specifically asked that truck-pulling, mud bogs, and monster trucks not be allowed at the venue.

“I’m not against them, but they are very loud,” Stiers commented. “The issue with the motorcycle racing was resolved through testing but I know those events are much, much louder.

“I am more concerned about the residents in that area and if those events were there, we may see the same thing happen as it did with the motorcycle racing,” he concluded.

Supervisors approved the amendment to the CUP 5-0. The amendment does not apply to motorcycle racing, which requires a separate CUP. Colonial Downs is expected to host at least three events in 2015.

In another issue, supervisors approved an ordinance that allows exceptions granted to commercial and industrial subdivisions in the areas of lots fronting on public streets, street width, access roads, and underground utilities.

While the move was primarily made to help with underground utilities, concerns were voiced about the expediting process.

“I was hoping this change would speed up the process,” said District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn. “Now, I am trying to see if this really is doing just that.”

Community Development Director Matthew Smolnik indicated surrounding jurisdictions have similar policies. He also indicated that supervisors would have the power to grant exceptions and that power would transfer from the community development director. The motion passed by a narrow 3-2 margin, with Ron Stiers and Tommy Tiller casting dissenting votes.