Dawson Communty News: Speeding promotion angers foe of park

Good story below. Some of these quotes are priceless. Love the mulligan approach - now that's great PR counsel.

“We’re just trying to promote a good place for people to drive fast and safe,” he said. ... We’re not going to allow them to get on our track and drive 150 mph into a wall, obviously.”

He should be more worried about one of his customers being injured (or worse) by a known, convicted wreckless motorist. Here's hoping your teenager isn't out there when these clowns are burning up the track in their free t-shirt.

Speeding promotion angers foe of park

Developer says no harm in offer

The wording of a press release from the developer of a controversial motorsports park has at least one Dawson County resident up in arms.

“Giving them a free half-day of driving ... I think that’s irresponsible,” said Sam Horner, who opposes the proposed Atlanta Motorsports Park.

But developer Jeremy Porter said the recent promotional business literature is harmless.
According to a press release, the park offers a discount and free T-shirt if patrons bring their “super speeder ticket to the park.”

The so-called “super speeder” law went into effect Jan. 1 for Georgia drivers who are convicted of traveling 75 mph on any two-lane road or at least 85 mph on any road.

According to the release, the promotional T-shirt includes the words: “I’ve learned my lesson!” on the front, and “AMP is the only safe and fun way to fill the need for speed” on the back.

The park has not been built yet, and it’s at the center of a lawsuit.

That hasn’t calmed Horner.

“[Porter’s] backing people that are driving and showing bad behavior,” he said. “If he were to offer to put these people through driver’s education after receiving their speeding tickets, that would be different. That might make sense.”

Porter defended the press release.

“We’re just trying to promote a good place for people to drive fast and safe,” he said. “ ... We’re not going to allow them to get on our track and drive 150 mph into a wall, obviously.”

Dawson County Sheriff’s Lt. Tony Wooten said the “super speeder” law, which carries an extra $200 fine, is in place because “the greater speed you’re going, the greater chance you have of being killed in an accident or killing someone.”

“It’s an effort to hopefully control that and cut down on the number of deaths we have every year on Georgia roads,” Wooten said.

At the time of publication, the park’s press release did not appear to be on the
company’s Web site.

Porter, however, provided a recent copy of the document to the Dawson Community News, which he said was different from a previous version posted on the site Jan. 16.

He said a miscommunication with the company that handles AMP public relations led to an early, unapproved draft of the press release getting out.

The most recent, approved draft contained some changes. Porter said the old version “sounded like you’re supposed to go out there and speed.”

“We made the changes and sent it back to them,” he said. “They mistakenly posted the old one.”

West and Helen Hamryka, who own a home and horse farm across from the 152-acre car park site in northwestern Dawson, filed a lawsuit against Porter in May 2009 “for the unlawful interference of the [Hamrykas’] right to enjoy the possession of their property and for the disruption of their business.”

A motion to dismiss the lawsuit was denied in November, when a judge ruled the plaintiffs could move forward.

Despite litigation, the developer closed on the property in September, with plans for nearly three miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles, a members-only lounge, 10,000 square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.

Advertisement by the Dawson Community News for Race Track

See below advertisement for race track - courtesy of the Dawson Community News. Nice of her to seek comment from other opponents. Last I checked there are plenty. I guess the Thurmond's weren't available for comment either and the other 100 to 200 people that attended those staged city meetings weren't either.

Interesting, I'm going to propose building a noisy commercial development next to Porter's house and his neighbors, and see if they think it's frivolous.

Defendants want lawsuit dismissed

Developer says matter is ‘frivolous’

The parties named in a lawsuit aimed at blocking plans for a motorsports country club in western Dawson County hope a judge will dismiss the matter next month.

The city of Dawsonville, EHK (Ernie Elliott) Investments and Jeremy Porter, founder of Atlanta Motorsports Park, have each filed motions to dismiss the civil suit.

West and Helen Hamryka, who own a home and horse farm across from the 152-acre car park site, contend the city violated zoning procedure when approving Porter’s rezoning request in April.

The suit also claims the defendants are responsible “for the unlawful interference of [the Hamrykas’] right to enjoy the possession of their property and for the disruption of their business.”

According to court documents, the Hamrykas seek an injunction to prevent construction of the motorsports park, as well as at least $3 million in damages, plus legal fees.

Although filed in Superior Court in May, Porter said the defendants were not formally served with the lawsuit until more than 40 days later.

In the motion to dismiss, filed in July, attorneys for Porter say the plaintiff’s “failure to diligently serve the defendants with any complaint during the 30-day limitation period for appeals on zoning decisions” should dismiss the counts.

The motions to dismiss also address the Hamrykas’ nuisance complaint, which Porter said would not be determined for months, if ever.

Dawsonville administrator Kim Cornelison said the city does not plan to comment on the lawsuit, which Northeastern Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Kathleen Gosselin is scheduled to hear Sept. 18.

The Hamrykas’ attorney did not return numerous phone calls seeking comment.

Attorneys for Elliott, who currently owns the property on Duck Thurmond Road, say their client “will have no involvement in or control over any construction or development” once the property changes hands.

As a result, the attorneys contend, Elliott “is not a proper party in the lawsuit,” according to court documents.

Porter calls the lawsuit “frivolous” and a way to try to deter investors.

“But our investors, our members, laugh at this,” he said, adding that he signed $100,000 in new memberships July 30 when the track design was unveiled in Roswell.

The unique, eco-friendly track was designed by Formula One engineers at Tilke Architects. It was shortened to less than 2 miles and tweaked to meet city-imposed guidelines.

“Some of the greatest minds in motorsports say they believe this track will become truly legendary, 141 feet of elevation changes and two of the most famous turns in motorsports have been incorporated into the track,” Porter said.

“This is going to be something that’s going to be like no other motorsports park in the world.”
Billed as a motorsports country club, plans call for nearly two miles of a high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles, a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.

Founding member Donna Clifford sees the project as a wonderful and unique opportunity that will allow her to enjoy her “car with good people in a wonderful location and a safe environment.”
Sports car enthusiast Chuck Smith of Cumming agreed.

“I’ve been to every zoning meeting and have watched it since I first heard about the motorsports park,” he said. “I’m 57 and can finally afford the cars I’ve dreamed about my whole life. I’m excited about it.”

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.

Lawsuit challenges motorsports park

From the Dawson Community News:

Defendants say case ‘frivolous and abusive’

The attorney for a couple attempting to block the construction of a motorsports country club in western Dawson County vows a lengthy legal battle.

“We are going to fight this all the way,” said Richard Wingate, who represents West and Helen Hamryka.

“The complaint speaks for itself. If build out and construction of the project is as planned, it’s going to just ruin my clients’ livelihood.”

The Hamrykas, who own a home and horse farm across from the 152-acre car park site, have filed suit against developer Jeremy Porter, Atlanta Motorsports Park, the city of Dawsonville, Dawsonville City Council, and EHK (Ernie Elliott) Investments.

The suit, filed last month in Superior Court, claims the defendants are responsible “for the unlawful interference of [the Hamrykas’] right to enjoy the possession of their property and for the disruption of their business.”

According to court documents, the Hamrykas seek an injunction to prevent construction of the motorsports park, as well as at least $3 million in damages, plus legal fees.

The suit, also claims the city of Dawsonville violated Georgia’s zoning procedure act and should have required a Development of Regional Impact study before approving the “mixed use facility.”

Several defendants in the civil case say the suit is frivolous.

“We think the lawsuit is an abuse of the process,” said co-defendant Jeremy Porter, founder of Atlanta Motorsports Park. “Four different attorneys are telling us they think this is a frivolous and abusive suit.”

Billed as a country club for sports car enthusiasts, the Atlanta Motorsports Park plan calls for nearly three miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles, a members-only lounge, 10,000 square foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.

As of early this week, the defendants had not seen the lawsuit. Still, Porter said, he sees the filing as a scare tactic.

“We think that by filing a lawsuit they are trying to dissuade investors from buying into the park,” said Porter, adding that he has the opportunity to counter sue, but plans instead to take what he called the “ethical” road.

Porter said the suit has not hindered membership sales.

“The goal is to pay cash for the land, and we think we’re going to be able to do that,” he said.
Landowner and co-defendant Ernie Elliott said last week he is concerned for every property owner in the country if a lawsuit can be filed against a landowner wanting to sell his property.

“We’ve invested in the real estate for ages now with the idea that we’d sell it some day,” Elliott said. “That’s exactly what we’re doing now. We listed the property with a legitimate real estate agent, and now we have a legitimate buyer.

“If they think they can sue the property owner for trying to sell his property, every other property owner in the country should take a hard look at this. It’s going to set some hard precedent.”

Dawsonville administrator Kim Cornelison said the city does not plan to comment on the lawsuit, which it hasn’t received.

“Our attorney has a copy and has perused through it,” she said. “But right now, if we’re not served, as far as we’re concerned, there is no lawsuit.”

Because city ordinances are in question, Wingate said, there was a timeline to file the suit and “certified copies are required in the records.”

“We now have amended the complaint with the certified copies,” he said. “The defendants will be served soon.”

Regardless of litigation, Porter said he plans to break ground on the project this fall.
“We’re coming up swinging,” he said.

Preliminary estimates by the Development Authority of Dawson County have indicated Porter’s project could bring in as much as $4 million in tax revenue over the next decade.

The development could also attract dozens of new jobs to the county.

“We have nothing to do with the racing park,” Elliott said. “That can be verified by anybody. But that’s not to say I’m not for it. I’m for any business that will bring jobs and growth to this county.

“I want to know that if something happens to this business my employees can have the opportunity to go across the street and get high-paying jobs without having to drive to Atlanta.”

Dawson Community News: Porter in talks to lure businesses to car park

Porter in talks to lure businesses to car park

Negotiations between Atlanta Motorsports Park developer Jeremy Porter and a high-performance repair facility that wants to relocate to Dawsonville are in the final stages.

“I’m so excited about the new partnership to bring Balanced Performance Motorsports to AMP,” Porter said.

Billed as the South’s premier repair and performance facility, Balance Performance Motorsports plans to move its entire Sugar Hill operation, which includes maintenance and fabrications, to the motorsports country club site that is expected to break ground in western Dawson County by fall.

“We feel that AMP can offer us and our customers many opportunities not available at our current location,” said Chuck Ellis, co-owner and CEO of Balanced Performance. “We feel AMP can bring us not only an incredible sales and marketing team, but also a world class facility and location that is unmatched in the industry.”

Porter received final zoning approval from Dawsonville City Council in April for the project, which will sit on about 152 acres between Duck Thurmond Road and Hwy. 183.

Neighbors bitterly opposed the project, vowing to fight its approval in court.

According to city clerk Kim Cornelison a lawsuit was filed in Dawson County Superior Court May 7. She said the city has not yet been formally served.

The facility will include nearly three miles of high performance road course for fast, exotic cars, karts and bikes, a members-only lounge, 10,000 square foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.

The Balanced Performance partnership will be an added bonus for club members, who will be able to receive free technical and track readiness support from BMP professionals and official tech inspectors for the National Auto Sport Association, said BPM co-owner Jason Plante.

“We want all AMP members to feel confident that their cars are safe and ready to drive,” Plante said.

Porter said other businesses, including a fine dining restaurant, and agencies also are looking at the site.

Among those interested is Track Chic, an organization that celebrates women involved in the racing industry through an online journal documenting their development.

“There is an impressive group of women on the AMP Team working hard to push this forward,” said Track Chic President Theresa Earnheart. “The online journal will go live within the next few weeks and bring an intimate, female perspective on all aspects of AMP’s development. Women who follow along will feel part of the AMP Family as we build momentum for the grand opening.”

Porter said he is awaiting a redesign of the driving course, as required by city council.

Dawson Community News: Letter by James Thurmond

From this week's paper - a great letter penned by James Thurmond.

Thanks to all opposing the park

My name is James Thurmond and I love my family.

I would like to state publicly that, for me, one of the few good things that has come from this terribly wrenching debate over the inappropriate placement of the Atlanta Motorsports Park on Duck Thurmond Road in Dawson County is that I have met so many wonderful people these past few months that I may never have had the real honor of knowing otherwise.

While this debate burns ineffably around us, and what was once a strong, united community now sees its future dangling perilously on the threshold of permanent division, I have met what I modestly consider to be the most compassionate and indomitable group of citizens who, like me, are vehemently against the placement of this park on our road.

I am standing with these citizens against this park because it promises to threaten our lives, our quality of life and our livelihoods in a manner insouciant to everything we hold dear.

Wrapped within the gilded folds of “good intentions” lies a project that will upend the lives of hundreds of families in the surrounding area and mercilessly trample upon the sylvan beauty of our backyards.

We will not find peace next to this noisy and noisome injustice.

This park will rend the very flesh of the restful contentment so many families here have worked so hard to achieve and fought so long to preserve.

Beauty within Dawson County will be threatened. We will become over-developed, over-polluted and over-burdened.

Our fresh air will turn putrid, our trees will be felled and our water will become undrinkable.

I fight this because there is nothing in life I hold dearer or closer to my heart than my family. I would not see them be made to suffer just so some extremely selfish people can have a “place to play.”

I find this attitude deplorable and insulting.

Regardless of the gold-plated promises, I have no doubt that we will all be made to suffer for the careless greed of a few if this project passes.

And when it fails, we, as the taxpayers of this county, will be left holding a wasteland of broken promises, darkness and ashes.

The pieces left will be ours to clean up.

We’ve been called “whiners,” the opposition.

Of course we’re “whiners.” Loud and clear.

I should hope that those supporting this park would whine too if their families were being threatened the way ours are.

But that’s what honorable people do. They fight for their friends and neighbors. They fight for their families.

They ignore the aggrandizing rhetoric and search for the truth.

So, to all the wonderful people I’ve met opposing this park I would like to extend my eternal thanks.

You’ve all shown me that there is indeed still true, unblemished honor left in the world.

Indeed, ever since I’ve met the outstanding citizens united against this park, the number of people I consider family has grown exponentially.

James Thurmond

Dawson County
http://www.dawsonnews.com/news/article/1479/