THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, January 5, 1995 TAG: 9501050447
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 90 lines
Setting its hopes on the future, the Suffolk City Council on Wednesday approved a 684-acre industrial park and adjoining auto racing track.
Despite residents' concerns over traffic, pollution and noise, the council approved the industrial park unanimously and the track on a 5-2 vote after a marathon session of public hearings.
The council's blessing gives developer Upton and Arnette Associates permission to begin both projects on land now grazed by cows and surrounded by woods.
The decision left opponents of the project at a loss. Most had worried the park and track would disrupt their lives with noise and traffic. Now, said one local resident, ``the writing is on the wall.''
As the crowd dispersed after the final vote at 11 p.m., supporters of the project shook hands and congratulated one another. Some opponents slowly walked away, saying the vote was set from the beginning.
Shortly before the vote on the industrial park, Vice Mayor Curtis R. Milteer suggested delaying it because, ``I believe we need the support of the community.''
But speaking next, newly elected Councilman Charles F. Brown urged a vote, calling the industrial park and track vital to improving the quality of life in Suffolk.
``I'm not going to fumble the ball no more,'' Brown said. ``I'm ready to vote.''
About 180 people jammed the council chambers to speak and listen.
One of the first to speak for the industrial park was Dennis Godwin, an employee at Nestle Beverage Co. in the city-owned Wilroy Industrial Park.
``Suffolk cannot live on peanuts forever,'' he said. ``We have given away too much. I'm 33 years old, and this city has not changed an inch. . . . I'm proud to live in Suffolk. But if we keep pushing people away, we can't have that pride.''
The sprawling industrial park, to be built at the intersection of Shoulders Hill Road and Nansemond Parkway, would be the largest in the city.
The Suffolk International Speedway, a half-mile oval with seating for about 7,500, would be built south of the industrial park on an adjacent 65 acres. It would be located about 1.3 miles from the nearest home. Former Langley Raceway promoter Joe Baldacci Jr. plans to run the track.
Last month, the Suffolk Planning Commission sent a mixed message to the council, unanimously supporting the industrial park but deadlocking 6-6 on the race track.
As part of the agreement with the developers, the city of Suffolk plans to build a road and water and sewer lines to the track at a cost of $2.1 million.
C. Lee Acors, city finance director, said the developers have agreed to pay the city $750,000 up front and a total of about $3.3 million once the industrial park is filled.
The city, which has long wanted a major site for industry to expand its tax base, has estimated the park could employ 1,641 people and bring the city $2.6 million a year in revenue after the first 12 years of operation.
The audience was almost evenly divided between those supporting the park and track and those against.
One of the most heartfelt pleas for halting the project came from the Rev. Clarence B. Russell, pastor of Union Baptist Church, directly across the street from the park site.
``Tonight,'' he said, ``you're holding the destiny of our church in your power.''
Russell said the church, which was founded in 1865, would be disturbed by noise from the race track.
``We'd like to stay there until the Lord comes,'' Russell said. ``But now we're worried we won't have that opportunity.''
Russell suggested to the council that the city purchase the church and help it relocate.
In the end, the city placed certain restrictions on the track, including:
An 11 p.m. curfew for races.
A ban on concerts.
Annual reviews of the track by city staff members.
City and state control over alcoholic beverages. ILLUSTRATION: Maps
JOHN CORBITT/Staff
Photo
D. KEVIN ELLIOTT/Staff
About 180 people jammed the Suffolk council chambers on Wednesday
night to speak and listen to the debate.
by CNB