Press Coverage
Television
CBS Channel 6 - WTVR:
1/16/08 - Interview to be aired on the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. news broadcasts.
1/17/08 - Interview to be aired on the morning news broadcast.
CW Channel 65 - WUPV:
1/16/08 - Interview to be aired on the 10 p.m. news broadcast.
Proposed Motocross Park in King William (1/16/08)
CBS Channel 6 - WTVR
Too much traffic, too much noise and a negative impact on the environment. That's exactly what neighbors in King William County say will happen if the county approves a new motocross sports complex. KW Morrison, LLC, applied for a special permit to build a five track motorcross raceway off Route 30 in Aylett. The company wants to develop a large, five track motocross raceway, including parking for more than 500 vehicles. The 300 plus acres are located off Route 30 about 4 miles north of Route 360. But neighbors say putting it in the middle of a residential area is just unacceptable. Hundreds of opponents signed a petition against the track. Now they want the county take their concerns to heart. Dr. Judith Gwathmey owns 200 acres right next to the proposed site. She says, "This motocross is not conducive with the county's plan. A compromise is out of the question. No modifications to the plan will be acceptable to the citizens and yes, if necessary we will engage legal counsel to defend our rights." Perrin Gower, a local geologist says he has huge concerns about the negative impact to the environment. "Possible soil and ground water contamination is a potential problem.  The water that runs through that acreage is pristine. The river association has tested the creeks for coloform and there is none. You can drink that water." Neighbor, Jeanette Wagner says that's why they formed a non-profit group called "Citizens for King William County." She wants other concerned neighbors to join them for Thursday's community meeting. Wagner says, "The meeting is good because we'll see some people becoming more involved because they're more aware." But CBS 6 did talk to one person who hopes neighbors will give the project a chance. Larry Jenks, of Jinx ATV & Cycle says, "It'll give the kids in the community something to do. Right now you have to drive two hours to get somewhere to ride. This will keep kids off the streets."
The next community meeting will be held Thursday, January 17th, at the Upper King William Senior Center at 7 pm. In the next few months, the developer will meet with neighbors again to address their concerns.
Newspaper
A community's fight to preserve its historical and rural culture in Virginia: Biotechnology CEO get involved (3/7/08)
BUSINESS WIRE
BOSTON - Judith K. Gwathmey VMD, Ph.D., FACC, FAHA has served as Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Officer of Gwathmey Inc. for twelve years. Gwathmey, Inc. is an internationally recognized leader in providing pre-clinical testing services for evaluation of lead compounds prior to their conversion into marketable products.
Dr. Gwathmey recently embarked on a campaign with other members of the quiet rural community in Aylett, Virginia to preserve the town's rural character and natural resources (wetlands, wildlife, and water).
"KW Morrison LLC wants to place a motocross raceway in the middle of an agricultural and residential area. Many working folks and retired seniors who live in King William County are deeply disturbed about the environmental and community degradation the motorcycle raceway will cause. The relentless noise, the added air, water and soil pollution, and increased traffic of outsiders makes many residents very concerned about their community and their property values," says Gwathmey.
Dr. Gwathmey is working with others to raise awareness about the adverse effects the motocross raceway will cause. Dr. Gwathmey, who is on faculty at Harvard University and Boston University Medical School, is a celebrated cardiac scientist. Along with her numerous publications, she received the 2001 Presidential Mentoring Award and was recognized recently as a Hero for 2008 in Boston for providing coats and uniforms to needy students in elementary schools.
Motocross developers may want to put plans into reverse (2/6/08)
By ROBIN LAWSON
TIDEWATER REVIEW EDITOR
Developers of a proposed motocross track in King William couldn't have expected the magnitude of opposition their plans have met so far. We certainly didn't. The proposal hasn't even made its way to the Planning Commission and already staunch opponents have formed a group called the "Citizens for the Future of King William County," along with banners, signs, and a website dedicated to bringing the project to a screeching halt.
KW Morrison LLC revealed its plans for Governor's Run Sports Park, a motocross facility located on 327 acres off rural Route 30 last month. The property, which is located approximately four miles west of Central Garage, is zoned agricultural as required by the county's zoning ordinance, which was amended in late 2006 to include a motocross facility as an allowable land use. The surrounding property is designated for medium to high residential development on the county's Future Land Use Map. Residents, however, are voicing loud concerns over noise, environmental pollution, impacts on emergency services, and affects on the surrounding homeowners.
In response to the opposition, the developers have gone back to drawing board and deferred a Planning Commission public hearing. It's a long way from ever reaching final approval from the Board of Supervisors.
Last month we suggested residents weigh both sides since there are potential economic benefits to the project as well. Since then, however, the opposition has only grown and will most likely continue to do so. In response, KW Morrison LLC would serve themselves better by halting plans in King William and moving forward in a more receptive area.
Even if the proposal meets all the planning department's requirements, the Board of Supervisor's can still deny the project based on quality of life issues that have repeatedly been raised by opponents.
The road ahead in King William isn't looking very smooth for the motocross developers. They should just stop while they're ahead.
Supes still treading through motocross concerns (1/30/08)
By FRANCES HUBBARD
TIDEWATER REVIEW STAFF WRITER
KING WILLIAM - It was standing room only Monday night as the Board of Supervisors faced a determined crowd who made it very clear they do not want a motocross facility in their county. Standing ovations, cheers, and waving signs from nearly 200 audience members who packed inside and outside the boardroom followed each speaker during the board's regular public comment period. "The community overwhelmingly rejects this project," said Terry Stone, an Aylett resident and member of the King William County School Board. "It's not wanted." Although the application submitted by KW Morrison LLC to construct a sports park in Aylett was not on the board's agenda, members of the newly-formed non-profit group, the "Citizens of King William County," told the board they would be holding their ground over the next few months as the application process continued. Several speakers said they were confident the project would not be approved. "Nothing good can come out of it," said Shirley Jones, a new Aylett resident who said she was attracted to the area by its rural quality, one she hopes will be preserved. Earlier this month, developers revealed their plans for Governor's Run Sports Park, a motocross facility located on 327 acres off Route 30 near Globe Road, to an onslaught of opposition. Following a January 2 community meeting, developers have gone back to the drawing boards, deferring the January 22 Planning Commission public hearing and revamping park plans to address concerns. While not all citizens are opposed to the track, those speaking out are voicing concerns over noise, environmental pollution, impact on emergency services, and effects on the surrounding real estate market. David Chenault, a farmer whose property is adjacent to the proposed park, told the board the facility would ruin the area. "The only way this should be approved is if you allow a brothel," he said to a roar of laughter, asking that the brothel border his own land. Developers' original plans include four competition motocross tracks, a pavilion, a snack bar, restrooms, and a camping area. The tracks, which will be located approximately four miles north of Central Garage, would be accessed off of Route 30. The developers, which include Bob Fauteaux, Arthur Mourino, and Marshall Campbell, initially proposed to host one weekend event per month. A typical motocross event draws between 300 and 400 spectators with riders generally ranging between the ages of eight and 16 years-old. No new public hearing date has been set for the Conditional Use Permit before the Planning Commission. Randy Cook, attorney for the developers, said they will revise the initial plans to address some of the concerns. There is still the possibility of another community meeting, but no plans have been made at this time. In other news, second district Supervisor Danny Wright made a motion at the end of Monday night's meeting to terminate the position of Clerk of the Works currently held by Kevin Vaughn. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Otto Williams. "I don't think we need him. I believe we can do better. It's not anything personal against him," Wright told his fellow board members. County Administrator Frank Pleva cited cost issues as a problem. "We can get by without a Clerk of Works. We're paying a lot of money and it's a service I just don't think we need," Wright said. Supervisor Thomas Redd tabled action on the motion until next month's meeting citing several issues that needed to be addressed. Photo by Gene Campbell, courtesy of the Tidewater Review.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is February 25 at 7 p.m. in the boardroom of the Administration Building.
Residents decry motocross raceway in King William (1/29/08)
By LAWRENCE LATANE IIITIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
KING WILLIAM - Opponents of a motocross raceway under consideration in King William County packed a Board of Supervisors meeting last night. Almost 200 opponents applauded speaker after speaker who told the board that the track would be a bad idea. "I think the board understands the feeling of everybody out there that you do not want a motocross track," said board Chairman C. Thomas Redd III. Speakers said a track would compromise the county's rural quality of life and undermine the value of surrounding real estate. "This is a shame we have to deal with such a thing," county resident Leon Brooks said. "How do we want future residents to view King William?" resident Bob Hubbard asked. Developers withdrew their original proposal to build up to four motocross tracks and a campground on 327 acres north of Central Garage. Bob Fauteux, one of the developers, cited opposition at an information meeting hosted this month by the developers.Fauteux said he and his partners are revising the proposal to make it more palatable to local residents. They have yet to resubmit a plan.
Mapping Out Concerns (1/23/08)
By FRANCES HUBBARD
TIDEWATER REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Close to 200 citizens turned out on a wet and slushy Thursday night for the first community meeting hosted by the newly formed Citizens of King William County. The meeting, held at the Upper King William Senior Center off Route 30, allowed residents the opportunity to pose questions to a panel, which included a geologist, about the recent proposal submitted to the county by KW Morrison LLC to construct a motocross facility on 327 acres four miles above Central Garage. Citizens reviewed maps that showed the property in proximity to the county's subdivisions (pictured above) and voiced concerns over noise, pollution, and effects on the surrounding homes. A public hearing at the Planning Commission last night was deferred as the applicant revamps plans to address some of the concerns. Photo by Frances Hubbard.
Foes of racetrack proposal to meet
Opposition to motocross park in King William 'unifying' some residents (1/16/08)
By LAWRENCE LATANE III
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Opponents of a proposed motorcycle racetrack in King William County plan to meet tomorrow night to organize their resistance to the idea. Developers broached plans for a motocross park at a public information meeting of their own last week that left many worried it would spoil their peace and quiet and conflict with county growth trends. "I don't see this as a bonafide thing to help business in King William," said George McFaden, who built a home 11 years ago on Enfield Road about a mile and a half from the proposed track. "I'd like to hear all sides to this," he added, "but right now, I'm opposed to this." McFaden said he plans to attend the meeting. It will be in the Upper King William Senior Center on 8306 King William Road at 7 p.m. The meeting is being organized by members of Aubrey El's family who live, own land, or grew up near the proposed raceway site about 5 miles west of Central Garage off state Route 30. "It's definitely become an issue that's unifying this county. We thought it would be a good idea to get people together who stand in opposition to it," El said. Bob Fauteux, who runs a logging business in the county, and two partners had planned to present their motocross track proposal to the county Planning Commission next week. They postponed the proposal after their information meeting last week made it clear their idea would face stout opposition. An unexpected crowd of about 100 people attended their meeting. Fauteux said he and his partners need time to revise their plan to address complaints raised at the meeting. Many of the speakers that night voiced concerns about noise, traffic safety, light pollution, alcohol use and environmental impacts.
Fauteax said the proposed Governor's Run Sports Park would bring jobs and money to the county by attracting 8 to 16-year-old motocross racers and their families to monthly American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned competitions at the park.
The plan originally called for the phased creation of up to four dirt racetracks on 327 acres and a campground. County planning director Scott Lucchesi said the developers have indicated the developers may drop one of the tracks to allow room for forest buffers wider than the 100 feet they originally proposed. Fauteax said yesterday he welcomes tomorrow night's meeting. "We look forward to and encourage the continued interest in the project," he said. "We think that's a good thing."
Motocross proposal fuels opposition Concerned citizens group forms, hires legal counsel (1/16/08)
By FRANCES HUBBARD
TIDEWATER REVIEW STAFF WRITER
KING WILLIAM - Over 200 residents are expected to attend a community meeting Thursday night to discuss impacts they believe a possible motocross track will have on their county. The meeting is expected to be the first informational session of a newly organized
group called the Citizens for the Future of King William County. "It's a meeting to get people involved," Resident Jeanette Wagner said, extending an invitation to any citizen who has an interest in where the county is going. Earlier this month, KW Morrison LLC revealed its plans for Governor's Run Sports Park, a motocross facility located on 327 acres off Route 30 near Globe Road, to an onslaught of opposition. Following the January 2 community meeting, developers have gone back to the drawing boards, deferring the January 22 Planning Commission public hearing and revamping park plans to address concerns. While not all citizens are opposed to the track, most residents speaking out are voicing concerns over noise, environmental pollution, impact on emergency services, and affects on the surrounding homeowners. Organizers of Thursday's meeting plan to present experts who will discuss the impacts they believe the sports park could have on the community, while gathering an ongoing list of concerns and questions. "If we compile the list together it will ensure that we are complete," said Terry Sims Stone, an Aylett resident who also serves on the King William County School Board. "It's not just an entertainment event for us. We see it as a loss of our assets. I just don't think it's in the right location." Several presentations are expected at this week's meeting. Organizer Dr. Judith Gwathmey, who lives adjacent the proposed park, will present what she calls a community vision. "I will be asking what would we do with the property if we had it?," she said. "If you don't want a motocross track then find an alternative and suggest it," Wagner added. Gwathmey said a geologist will speak on the environmental impacts, a transportation representative will speak on traffic impacts, fire and rescue personnel will discuss the impact on emergency services, and a representative from the fisheries and wildlife department will also speak. In addition to community impacts, Gwathmey has also invited an Emergency Room/Trauma physician to talk to the citizens about the health impacts and the injuries associated with motocross racing. "I'd rather these guys present the facts and then allow people to ask the questions," Gwathmey said. This week, Gwathmey said the legal counsel of George W. Guy in Richmond, along with Kevin W. Mottley of Troutman and Sanders LLC, has been retained to represent the citizens group and plans are in the works to turn the Citizens for the Future of King William County into an official 501(c)3 corporation - a non-profit organization. Gwathmey explained that the organization will remain a permanent entity in the county to assist residents with future issues and provide financial support if ever needed. The community meeting is set for January 17 at 7 p.m. at the Upper King William Senior Center located on Route 30. For more information call 804-769-9089 or visit nokwmotocross.googlepages.com. Photo by Frances Hubbard.
King William previews park Residents express skepticism about motorcycle racing (1/11/08)
By LAWRENCE LATANE III
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
CENTRAL GARAGE - Developers presented plans for a motorcycle racing park to a skeptical audience in King William County last night. A spokesman for the proposed Governor's Run Sports Park said he wanted to give residents a preview of the plan before presenting it to the county planning commission Jan. 22. "We want to please as many people as we can," said Randy Cook, a Mechanicsville lawyer who outlined the proposal last night at an informal meeting that drew about 100 people to a county senior center. Many in the audience, however, just wanted to know how much noise the sports park's race track might generate. "I moved to this county for tranquility and quiet," said one woman who did not identify herself. Many in the audience applauded. Bob Fauteaux, one of three partners who want to develop the 327-acre property, compared the noise of a motocross racing bike to a lawnmower. He said that at 25 feet, a motorcycle generates 90 to 100 decibels of sound, compared with a mower that produced 107 decibels from 3 feet away. Another speaker from the audience told Fauteaux that she wanted a more valid comparison. "What about 50 of these running around the track?" she asked. Fauteaux responded that he has been involved in motocross racing for 30 years, has never worn earplugs and still hears fine. The park would be built 5 miles west of Central Garage off state Route 30. The developers' plans call for creating a racing park for off-road motorcycles powered with 50-to 500-cc engines. Cook said up to four tracks would be built if all five phases of the developers' building plan are completed. But he said only one phase might be built, consisting of a beginner's track and an advanced race course. Typically, motocross parks draw drivers who range in age from 8 to 16, Cook said. The other two developers are Arthur Mourino and Marshall Campbell. The proposal calls for holding one organized Friday-Sunday event each month. Cook estimated about 150 vehicles would enter the park for the monthly event, which would be sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association. The facility also would be opened daily for private instruction and public practice. Motorcycles would be allowed to use the track between 7 a.m. and sunset, and overnight camping would be allowed on the grounds. The developers called last night's meeting to provide information to nearby residents. The county planning commission will hold a public hearing on the request Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Commissioners then will make a recommendation to the county board of supervisors, which will conduct another public hearing on the proposal.
Motocross track revs up concerns (1/9/08)
By FRANCES HUBBARD
TIDEWATER REVIEW STAFF WRITER
KING WILLIAM - Dr. Judith Gwathmey does not want a motocross track in her backyard, and she's not alone. "It's like someone putting a major airport next to your house. Nobody would want to live there," Gwathmey said. Gwathmey is just one in a group of King William residents banning together in opposition of the development of a motocross track on 327 acres located off Route 30 near Route 608, Globe Road. "If we want a community known for its good schools, good rural living, and family friendly atmosphere, we won't want a motocross track in our backyard," said Aylett resident Traci Wampler, who lives adjacent to the proposed Governor's Run Sports Park. Last week, close to 150 citizens turned out for a community meeting hosted by developers KW Morrison LLC, who are seeking a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the motorcycle racing park. "Obviously we were expecting opposition. We were a little surprised at the extent of the opposition. It was a little more widespread than we thought," said Randy Cook, an attorney for the applicant. Cook presented a proposal for the sports park, which is expected to initially include a competition track and a "kiddie" track with the possibility of future tracks to be phased into the facility. The proposed plans also included a pavilion, a snack bar, restrooms, and a camping area.
The track would be accessed off of Route 30. "The big issue here is about the community impact," said Gwathmey. The access road would run through her property. Most residents have voiced concerns over noise and environmental pollution, but like Gwathmey many feel the proposal does not meet the long-term goals of the county. "I don't believe that this development is consistent with the culture, vision and image of King William County," said Terry Sims Stone, an Aylett resident who also serves on the King William School Board. "We have to consider where is the county going and is it going to be a place your children will want to live?" "Any family searching for a quiet place to raise their children or older couples looking for a retirement home will not find a motocross track a part of the equation," said Wampler. Not everyone opposes the sports park, though. Roger Jenks, Jr, owner of Jinx ATV and Cycles located on Route 360 disagrees with those who oppose the development and spoke in favor of the sports park last week. "It's a good family-oriented sport that provides positive childhood development," he said. "I think the county needs more recreational activities for both children and adults." Jenks said a track in the county would provide a place for local competitors, who often have to travel to the west side of the state, to ride and offer a positive influence over the sport with the possibility of instructional courses. The property, which is located approximately four miles west of Central Garage, is zoned agricultural as required by the county's zoning ordinance, which was amended in late 2006 to include a motocross facility as an allowable land use. The surrounding property is designated for medium to high residential development on the county's Future Land Use Map. Both Stone and Gwathmey believe the sports park could have a negative impact on the value of existing and future homes on the surrounding properties. The developers, which include Bob Fauteaux, Arthur Mourino, and Marshall Campbell, propose to host one weekend event per month. A typical motocross event draws between 300 and 400 spectators with riders generally ranging between the ages of eight and 16 years-old. "The track will result in a high volume of traffic on the weekends. I just don't want to see anyone getting hurt going to or leaving [the park]," Gwathmey said. "The drain on our local fire and rescue squads will be enormous. We are volunteers here and I'd rather have them responding to calls than waiting for an accident at this thrill-seeker sport." "A lot of these issues can be addressed with conditions and the others with revisions of the conceptual plan," Cook said. The proposal includes a plan to open the sports park on a daily basis for private instruction and public practice during the hours of 7 a.m. to sunset.Cook said developers chose this particular property because it was located so far off the road and the surrounding property was relatively undeveloped. "There is no property in King William without residential development around it," he said. The closest home is approximately 1,500 feet, according to Cook, and trees will remain around the tracks to act as a sound barrier to the bikes that run off of 50- to 500-cc engines. The motorcycles will be required to use mufflers at all time and deposit fuel at the facilities required collection stations. KW Morrison LLC hosted last week's meeting in an effort to inform nearby residents and to gauge the citizen opinion of the facility. "Now we are going to see if we can revise the plans to address as many of the concerns as we can. I don't think we will be able to please everyone," Cook said. The Planning Commission had scheduled a public hearing for the CUP on January 22, but the hearing has currently been deferred. Developers plan to revamp their proposal before setting a new hearing date. Cook said there is still the possibility of another community meeting, but no plans have been made at this time.
"It's insulting the way this thing was presented to us. It's an environmental nightmare. I can't think of anything it doesn't impact," said Gwathmey, who has a doctorate in several backgrounds and works for a biotechnology company in Boston but spends most of her time on the property that has been in her family for generations in King William. "This is about a community. It doesn't send the right image for this county. My family has been here for over 100 years. I live on this road and I'm not going back to work until this is over."
Motocross racetrack proposal delayed
Developers working with King William residents to ease noise concerns (1/3/08)
By LAWRENCE LATANE III
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Developers of a proposed motorcycle racetrack in King William County have deferred their application for a conditional-use
permit while they re-examine the project in light of neighborhood resistance. "We've tabled it until we can address every one of their problems," Bob Fauteux said of concerns raised last week at a
community meeting. Fauteux, a logging contractor who cuts timber in the county, and two partners revealed their plans for Governor's Run Sports Park to a skeptical audience last week. About 100 people attended the meeting and made it clear they will guard their rural lifestyle. Speakers identified noise, traffic and light pollution among the many issues they said would be incompatible with the neighborhood of scattered homes and farms about 5 miles west of Central Garage off state Route 30. The raceway proposal was scheduled to be heard at a Jan. 22 public hearing before the county Planning Commission. Planning Director Scott Lucchesi said no new date to hear the request has been set. He has recommended the developers host another informational meeting with residents before bringing a retooled request to the planners. "It's just better to get citizens involved," he said. As presented at last week's informal meeting, the sports-park plan included the phased creation of up to four motocross racetracks on 327 acres south of state Route 30. The venue would host monthly American Motorcycle Association-sanctioned races between motocross racers on winding dirt tracks. The proposal said mufflers would be required on all motorcycles, and tracks would be surrounded by forest buffers at least 100 feet wide. "I honestly do believe in this project," said Fauteux, who declined to offer specifics on how he and his partners intend to modify their proposal. "When you see our next proposal, you'll see that a lot of the [neighborhood's] issues will be addressed. Lucchesi said the developers left the impression with him that they would rework their layout, possibly dropping one of the proposed tracks to increase the amount of forest space surrounding the park. "They're planning a substantial overhaul from what I understand," Lucchesi said.