THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 16, 1994 TAG: 9412160577
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
A boisterous crowd of about 200 Thursday night heard the city's plans to help private developers build an industrial park and motor speedway.
The informal meeting, held at Driver Elementary School at the behest of City Councilman Richard R. Harris, was meant to be informational rather than confrontational. But after two hours, a majority of the audience had spoken against the plans. A few supported them.
Some in the audience asked why the city would help private developers build the park while local residents went without sewer and water service. Others expressed fear that Nansemond Parkway, the main road to the industrial park, could not handle the traffic that a 7,500-seat speedway would generate.
``All we get from the city of Suffolk is promises, promises,'' said Cozie Bowen, 74, a resident of nearby Pughsville. ``We're expecting something else besides a racetrack, because we need a way of life.''
Plans for the industrial park and track will go before the city's Planning Commission Tuesday at 2 p.m. If approved, the project will go before the City Council for a possible vote Jan. 4.
Developers announced plans for the track and industrial park in July. The 684-acre Northgate Industrial Park would surround the half-mile oval racetrack, which would be situated on an adjoining 65 acres. The track is expected to be about 1 1/2 miles from any residence.
If all goes as planned, racing would begin in March 1996.
Thomas Waller, Suffolk's director of economic development, said that with the city-owned Wilroy Industrial Park nearly full, Suffolk needs more space for new businesses, which would bring revenue for city services required by the recent boom in residential development.
The site, off Nansemond Parkway and Shoulders Hill Road, is convenient to Interstate 664 and rail service, Waller said. ``This is an ideal location,'' he said.
City officials said the racetrack will allow the developers to pay for the industrial park's infrastructure, including roads, water and sewer lines. Leon Johnson, assistant city manager, told the audience that the city initially planned to pay for and build the main road to the track, with developers paying the city back over time.
The city acknowledged that the project could create traffic problems.
Steve Moorefield, Corey Fogleman and Richard Holmes left the meeting in a huff, complaining about the audience members who were focused on asking the city for water and sewer service.
``You need this track and park to bring it to you,'' said Moorefield. ``This is an opportunity for the people to get those services. But they're cutting off their nose to spite their face.'' by CNB