
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 9, 1994                   TAG: 9406090046
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

RACE TRACK FOES WAGER ON TRAFFIC

A horse track in Prince William County would worsen the urban sprawl and traffic jams that are expected when a Disney theme park is built nearby, track opponents said Wednesday.

But supporters of the Virginia Jockey Club's proposal said Virginia's horse industry is concentrated in the northern part of the state, making Prince William an ideal location.

The Virginia Racing Commission also heard from Ohio horse-racing executive Arnold Stansley, who wants to build a track in New Kent County.

The presentations by the Virginia Jockey Club, led by James Wilson of Middleburg, and Stansley Management L.P. of Toledo wrapped up three days of public hearings on six applications to build the state's first pari-mutuel track.

The commission expects to award a license by September.

Nick Kotz, representing a group of historians opposed to the proposed Disney's America theme park in Haymarket, said the organization also is against building a track just across Interstate 66 from the park site.

Larry Roberts of Prince William County said that even with road improvements related to the Disney project, the highway system would be unable to handle the traffic.

Mike Vanderpool, a Prince William zoning attorney, disagreed. ``Disney will enhance transportation to our benefit,'' he said.

He said the peak traffic hours for the two attractions would be different: early afternoon for the track, morning and night for the Disney park.

Keywords:
HORSE RACING

by CNB