New Virginia MX Track Approved

Hanover Planning Commission approves motocross race, training facility

Posted: Thursday, May 21, 2015 10:30 pm

By LAURA KEBEDE Richmond Times-Dispatch Richmond.com

The Hanover County Planning Commission voted in favor of a proposal Thursday evening for a motocross dirt bike race track and training facility in Doswell.

Edmonia Iverson of the Beaverdam District, where the property is located, introduced a motion to deny the proposal after a nearly two-hour public hearing and discussion.

The commission voted down Iverson’s motion 2-5, with Jerry Bailey of the Henry District joining Iverson.

A motion to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the motocross facility — with a condition to eliminate outdoor lighting and limit evening hours — passed 5-2 with Iverson and Bailey dissenting.

It was not immediately clear when supervisors will take up the matter.

Dozens of families from Hanover, Spotsylvania County and even out of state filled the meeting room in support of the proposed motocross track.

Nearly 20 children in racing jerseys and adults with “Yes to MX” stickers pleaded with the commission to allow a dirt bike racing track, pointing out that the nearest training ground is in Maryland.

The planning staff recommended approval of the proposal, citing county supervisors’ recent approval of an economic development plan to promote sports tourism to boost hotel stays and other business from out-of-town visitors.

The nearly 44-acre property along U.S. 1 near Verdon Road is designated as industrial use in the county’s comprehensive plan. The facility would include 30 recreational vehicles campsites for race participants and be allowed to hold three races per year.

Several accommodations were made in the proposal to reduce noise. A natural ridge line running north and south hems the facility between U.S. 1 and train tracks just before Interstate 95. The proposal also includes a berm with a fence that would further decrease noise, said David P. Maloney, the Planning Commission secretary.

The area is heavily wooded to the north and south.

Training from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week would involve one to three bikes at one time, according to the applicant, Randall Everett.

Weekends would generally have 50 to 100 bikes at one time, which would translate to 130 to 150 people attending a practice at one time. Everett estimated attracting 200 people during race weekends.

Everett has competed with dirt bikes internationally and addressed some of the concerns nearby residents had about noise and thinking the facility would be a magnet for drugs and alcohol.

“There are a lot of positives,” said Everett, a Nokesville native. “The families here and the kids here need a safe place to ride. ... I strive to be a great neighbor and I promise you that.”

Opponents cited environmental, noise and traffic concerns.

“I endure the noise from Kings Dominion and the rock quarry,” said Regan Armentrout-Waggin, who has lived in Doswell for nearly 50 years. “Sometimes I can barely hear my TV over the noise.”