Showing posts with label Jeremy Porter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jeremy Porter. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Number of blog visits, etc. for the year
We started tracking the number of visits, etc. in March and since then we've had nearly 3,401 visits, 5,654 page views and we even reached readers in Canada, the U.K. and Australia. The most number of visits the site received in one day was actually yesterday - 136.
We'll keep posting AMP-related information when we see it and thanks for visiting this blog.
We'll keep posting AMP-related information when we see it and thanks for visiting this blog.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Email circulating the community about last week's court hearing
Read the below email we received about last week's court date. We'll post more when we have it.
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Update on 12/21 hearing
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
It was a very interesting hearing. Although, the number of attendees was small, the Hamryka's appreciated the support of members of the community.
Judge John Girardeau heard oral arguments on three Motions for Summary Judgment filed by the Plaintiffs in Hamryka v. the City of Dawsonville, and one Motion for Summary Judgment filed on behalf of the City.
If granted, any one of the Plaintiffs' three Motions would establish that the rezoning of the AMP Property was done illegally by the City.
The City attorneys requested two weeks to file additional briefs to which the Plaintiffs will respond. A ruling will be issued after the supplemental briefs are submitted.
The Hamrykas were very pleased with the hearing and believe the law will prevail in their favor and the AMP debacle will be stopped.
We will send an update as soon as new information or court date is available.
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Update on 12/21 hearing
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.
It was a very interesting hearing. Although, the number of attendees was small, the Hamryka's appreciated the support of members of the community.
Judge John Girardeau heard oral arguments on three Motions for Summary Judgment filed by the Plaintiffs in Hamryka v. the City of Dawsonville, and one Motion for Summary Judgment filed on behalf of the City.
If granted, any one of the Plaintiffs' three Motions would establish that the rezoning of the AMP Property was done illegally by the City.
The City attorneys requested two weeks to file additional briefs to which the Plaintiffs will respond. A ruling will be issued after the supplemental briefs are submitted.
The Hamrykas were very pleased with the hearing and believe the law will prevail in their favor and the AMP debacle will be stopped.
We will send an update as soon as new information or court date is available.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Today's court hearing
Once we receive an update, we will post it. Additionally, we will continue scanning the news for any applicable coverage or mentions.
Smoke Signals (Big Canoe): AMP construction given the green light. (Obstacles remain, though)
Interesting points discussed from last month's court hearing.
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AMP construction given the green light
The next step in the process is the hearing on the outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment
By Lynda Zblewski
lzblewski@bigcanoenews.com
On November 30, 2010, Senior Judge John Girardeau denied a motion for Interlocutory Injunction that would have halted construction at the site of the new Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP).
Although the Court conceded the “potential” existed for the park to be a nuisance, the Plaintiffs (West and Helen Hamryka) had not shown enough of a current nuisance to merit an immediate injunction, according to the judge.
Porter “tickled” by decision
Following the November 30 hearing, Jeremy Porter, developer of AMP, was quoted in the Dawson Community News as being “tickled” at the judge’s decision (“Judge allows work to continue at park site”, by Michele Hester, posted December 8, 2010). He was further quoted as saying, “We are continuing to move forward, and I just pray the facts of this case continue to come out”.
The next step in the process is the hearing on the outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment. The attorney for the Hamryka’s, Richard Wingate, stated that the “plaintiffs are confident in the merits of their Motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case”.
The date for oral hearing of these motions was scheduled for December 21, 2010. At issue is the rezoning action by the City of Dawsonville, which ultimately permitted construction of the AMP facility. According to Wingate, “If the Court grants any of the Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease”.
During the November 30th proceeding, Wingate stated that the Hamryka’s had already suffered a significant loss in their property’s value. He also referred to their potential loss of business revenue in the training of hunter/jumper horses if clients moved elsewhere over concerns about their animal’s well-being.
Dr. Sue McConnell, a University of Pennsylvania professor and animal behaviorist was called to testify by Timothy Tanner, attorney for Atlanta Motorsports Park. During her testimony she stated, in her professional opinion, the noise from the operation of the AMP facility would not be detrimental to the horses and most horses would likely acclimate to the sounds over time.
During the hearing AMP developer Porter also testified. He was questioned with regard to current construction progress, the investment made to date and the future operation of the AMP facility.
As of November 30th Porter indicated that the AMP facility was 75 percent complete. The current target opening date is March of 2011. This date allows for 35 days of rain. If the rainfall is less, they anticipate opening sooner.
Porter also testified that approximately $4.8 million had been invested as of that date. This included, but was not limited to, expenses involved with tree harvesting, grading, infrastructure, concrete work for the entrance and signage. He also indicated that if work were to cease, five local companies would be adversely impacted. The five companies were not named.
When asked what type of vehicles would be using the facilities and course at Atlanta Motorsports Park, Porter testified that he anticipated about 75% of them would be standard production vehicles most likely of a sports car variety. The remaining 25% would be racing-type vehicles.
This response led to a question as to whether or not racing fuel would be stored at the facility. Porter believed that there would be some racing fuel kept on-site but was unsure as to how much. It was also unclear as to how the fuel would be contained and where on the grounds it would be stored.
A question was posed to Porter about the anticipated hours of operation of Atlanta Motorsports Park. He answered that hours of operation would be similar to that of a regular business day. According to the AMP website they indicate office hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and that “course hours” would be “determined upon scheduling”.
Following that line of questioning, Porter was queried at length about the decibel level monitoring that would need to be maintained. He indicated that the decibel level they must maintain is an average of 60 Dba. According to the stipulations of the rezoning agreement, however, that average is based on “hours of operation”, which will include ‘dead’ hours when the course is not in use.
Tanner, attorney for Atlanta Motorsports Park was contacted with a request for a Smoke Signals interview of Mr. Porter. In his response Tanner declined the interview citing the ongoing litigation. He did however acknowledge our request for a statement. At press time that statement and an additional request for clarification of some of Porter’s testimony had not been received.
Ed. note: Because results of the December 21, 2010 hearing will not be available before this issue goes to press we are not able to give you the Court’s decision. Please check Smoke Signals Online – www.bigcanoenews.com --for any updates.
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AMP construction given the green light
The next step in the process is the hearing on the outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment
By Lynda Zblewski
lzblewski@bigcanoenews.com
On November 30, 2010, Senior Judge John Girardeau denied a motion for Interlocutory Injunction that would have halted construction at the site of the new Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP).
Although the Court conceded the “potential” existed for the park to be a nuisance, the Plaintiffs (West and Helen Hamryka) had not shown enough of a current nuisance to merit an immediate injunction, according to the judge.
Porter “tickled” by decision
Following the November 30 hearing, Jeremy Porter, developer of AMP, was quoted in the Dawson Community News as being “tickled” at the judge’s decision (“Judge allows work to continue at park site”, by Michele Hester, posted December 8, 2010). He was further quoted as saying, “We are continuing to move forward, and I just pray the facts of this case continue to come out”.
The next step in the process is the hearing on the outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment. The attorney for the Hamryka’s, Richard Wingate, stated that the “plaintiffs are confident in the merits of their Motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case”.
The date for oral hearing of these motions was scheduled for December 21, 2010. At issue is the rezoning action by the City of Dawsonville, which ultimately permitted construction of the AMP facility. According to Wingate, “If the Court grants any of the Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease”.
During the November 30th proceeding, Wingate stated that the Hamryka’s had already suffered a significant loss in their property’s value. He also referred to their potential loss of business revenue in the training of hunter/jumper horses if clients moved elsewhere over concerns about their animal’s well-being.
Dr. Sue McConnell, a University of Pennsylvania professor and animal behaviorist was called to testify by Timothy Tanner, attorney for Atlanta Motorsports Park. During her testimony she stated, in her professional opinion, the noise from the operation of the AMP facility would not be detrimental to the horses and most horses would likely acclimate to the sounds over time.
During the hearing AMP developer Porter also testified. He was questioned with regard to current construction progress, the investment made to date and the future operation of the AMP facility.
As of November 30th Porter indicated that the AMP facility was 75 percent complete. The current target opening date is March of 2011. This date allows for 35 days of rain. If the rainfall is less, they anticipate opening sooner.
Porter also testified that approximately $4.8 million had been invested as of that date. This included, but was not limited to, expenses involved with tree harvesting, grading, infrastructure, concrete work for the entrance and signage. He also indicated that if work were to cease, five local companies would be adversely impacted. The five companies were not named.
When asked what type of vehicles would be using the facilities and course at Atlanta Motorsports Park, Porter testified that he anticipated about 75% of them would be standard production vehicles most likely of a sports car variety. The remaining 25% would be racing-type vehicles.
This response led to a question as to whether or not racing fuel would be stored at the facility. Porter believed that there would be some racing fuel kept on-site but was unsure as to how much. It was also unclear as to how the fuel would be contained and where on the grounds it would be stored.
A question was posed to Porter about the anticipated hours of operation of Atlanta Motorsports Park. He answered that hours of operation would be similar to that of a regular business day. According to the AMP website they indicate office hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and that “course hours” would be “determined upon scheduling”.
Following that line of questioning, Porter was queried at length about the decibel level monitoring that would need to be maintained. He indicated that the decibel level they must maintain is an average of 60 Dba. According to the stipulations of the rezoning agreement, however, that average is based on “hours of operation”, which will include ‘dead’ hours when the course is not in use.
Tanner, attorney for Atlanta Motorsports Park was contacted with a request for a Smoke Signals interview of Mr. Porter. In his response Tanner declined the interview citing the ongoing litigation. He did however acknowledge our request for a statement. At press time that statement and an additional request for clarification of some of Porter’s testimony had not been received.
Ed. note: Because results of the December 21, 2010 hearing will not be available before this issue goes to press we are not able to give you the Court’s decision. Please check Smoke Signals Online – www.bigcanoenews.com --for any updates.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Court date set for tomorrow
Email we received this morning from residents opposing the park's development. Thanks for the forward.
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Tuesday, December 21st, 10:00 am, the court will hear summary judgment regarding the City of Dawsonville's actions in rezoning the property for the Atlanta Motorsports Park.
This hearing is very important and we're asking those who are able, to show up at the courthouse wearing red.
We often hear defeatist talk: "You can't fight City Hall".
We simply must challenge that mindset, especially when officials abuse their authority for the benefit of a few individuals over the welfare of the larger community.
It's not representation to disregard an entire community by annexing property in the form of a slithering snake into the county to gain access to the property of an influential landowner.
There was nothing admirable about the annexation or the plans these people had.
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Tuesday, December 21st, 10:00 am, the court will hear summary judgment regarding the City of Dawsonville's actions in rezoning the property for the Atlanta Motorsports Park.
This hearing is very important and we're asking those who are able, to show up at the courthouse wearing red.
We often hear defeatist talk: "You can't fight City Hall".
We simply must challenge that mindset, especially when officials abuse their authority for the benefit of a few individuals over the welfare of the larger community.
It's not representation to disregard an entire community by annexing property in the form of a slithering snake into the county to gain access to the property of an influential landowner.
There was nothing admirable about the annexation or the plans these people had.
Now, the papers and supporters of AMP are playing up the transient financial impact the construction AMP has had on tiny local businesses, some, businesses we're all too familiar with due to their previous ties to City government projects, yet the papers have not honestly or sincerely dealt with the type of noise and traffic this business will bring to our area, or the devaluation of property and enjoyment thereof.A good suggestion for residents would be to patronize businesses and support business people that respect the people who are the backbone of a community -- the residents, and let the others fend for themselves.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Latest from Dawson Community News
Judge allows work to continue at park site
December 8, 2010
Construction of a motorsports park in western Dawson County can proceed following a judge’s decision last week.
Superior Court Senior Judge John Girardeau ruled Nov. 30 that the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to halt construction of Atlanta Motorsports Park failed to demonstrate “reasonable certainty” the park would create a nuisance once it opens.
“It may turn out to be a noise nuisance. It has that potential,” said Girardeau, who added the evidence was not adequate to determine the nuisance would exist.
Developer and park president Jeremy Porter said he was “tickled” by the judge’s decision.
“We are continuing to move forward, and I just pray the facts of this case continue to come out,” Porter said.
Plaintiffs West and Helen Hamryka, who live and operate a horse training business on about 70 acres across Duck Thurmond Road from the park site, contend their business and lifestyle would sustain irreparable damage if work on the park continued.
A horse behavior expert, however, testified last week that noise from the facility “will have no effect on the behavior of the horses.”
“I cannot imagine any activity that could occur with motor vehicles that could have an impact on the behavior of the horses on the Hamryka property,” said Sue McDonnell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
The Hamrykas filed the injunction in October, about 18 months after the city of Dawsonville approved the park’s zoning.
They have also filed suit, claiming zoning law was violated when the Dawsonville City Council approved the park’s rezoning without requiring a development of regional impact study.
Such a study is typically required for mixed-use developments.
Richard Wingate, an attorney for the Hamrykas, said his clients “are confident in the merits of their motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case.”
“If the court grants any of plaintiffs’ outstanding motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease,” Wingate said.
Porter said construction is about 75 percent complete.
“We’re looking at completing the project in March or April, depending on the weather,” he said.
Plans for the park call for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Park features also include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
Girardeau is expected to hear motions from both sides within the next few weeks. As of Tuesday afternoon, no date had been set.
Michele Hester
Michele@dawsonnews.com
December 8, 2010
Construction of a motorsports park in western Dawson County can proceed following a judge’s decision last week.
Superior Court Senior Judge John Girardeau ruled Nov. 30 that the plaintiffs in a lawsuit to halt construction of Atlanta Motorsports Park failed to demonstrate “reasonable certainty” the park would create a nuisance once it opens.“It may turn out to be a noise nuisance. It has that potential,” said Girardeau, who added the evidence was not adequate to determine the nuisance would exist.
Developer and park president Jeremy Porter said he was “tickled” by the judge’s decision.
“We are continuing to move forward, and I just pray the facts of this case continue to come out,” Porter said.
Plaintiffs West and Helen Hamryka, who live and operate a horse training business on about 70 acres across Duck Thurmond Road from the park site, contend their business and lifestyle would sustain irreparable damage if work on the park continued.
A horse behavior expert, however, testified last week that noise from the facility “will have no effect on the behavior of the horses.”
“I cannot imagine any activity that could occur with motor vehicles that could have an impact on the behavior of the horses on the Hamryka property,” said Sue McDonnell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
The Hamrykas filed the injunction in October, about 18 months after the city of Dawsonville approved the park’s zoning.
They have also filed suit, claiming zoning law was violated when the Dawsonville City Council approved the park’s rezoning without requiring a development of regional impact study.
Such a study is typically required for mixed-use developments.
Richard Wingate, an attorney for the Hamrykas, said his clients “are confident in the merits of their motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case.”
“If the court grants any of plaintiffs’ outstanding motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease,” Wingate said.
Porter said construction is about 75 percent complete.
“We’re looking at completing the project in March or April, depending on the weather,” he said.
Plans for the park call for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Park features also include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
Girardeau is expected to hear motions from both sides within the next few weeks. As of Tuesday afternoon, no date had been set.
Michele Hester
Michele@dawsonnews.com
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Smoke Signals (Big Canoe): As legal gears grind forward, so will work on Atlanta Motorsports Park
As legal gears grind forward, so will work on Atlanta Motorsports Park
Judge concedes AMP ‘may well be a nuisance’
(A complete review of the Atlanta Motorsports Park case will be reported in the January Smoke Signals, available December 27, 2010. )
By Lynda Zblewski
On Monday, November 30, 2010, Senior Judge John Girardeau denied a motion for Interlocutory Injunction filed by the Hamryka family (Plaintiff’s in this matter) to halt construction at the AMP site.
Although the judge recognized that the project “may well be a nuisance” there did not appear to be enough evidence of a current nuisance to necessitate an injunction at this time.
In a statement from Richard Wingate, attorney for the Hamryka family he states that “the Court did agree to set all of Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment for oral hearing at the earliest possible date. If the Court grants any of Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease.”
Attorney Wingate further expressed that “Plaintiff’s are confident in the merits of their Motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case.”
There will be a complete review of the AMP case and the current status in the January Smoke Signals, which will be available December 27, 2010.
Judge concedes AMP ‘may well be a nuisance’
(A complete review of the Atlanta Motorsports Park case will be reported in the January Smoke Signals, available December 27, 2010. )
By Lynda Zblewski
On Monday, November 30, 2010, Senior Judge John Girardeau denied a motion for Interlocutory Injunction filed by the Hamryka family (Plaintiff’s in this matter) to halt construction at the AMP site.
Although the judge recognized that the project “may well be a nuisance” there did not appear to be enough evidence of a current nuisance to necessitate an injunction at this time.
In a statement from Richard Wingate, attorney for the Hamryka family he states that “the Court did agree to set all of Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions for Summary Judgment for oral hearing at the earliest possible date. If the Court grants any of Plaintiffs’ outstanding Motions, then the rezoning action is void and all construction activities at the AMP property must cease.”
Attorney Wingate further expressed that “Plaintiff’s are confident in the merits of their Motions and believe that the law will prevail in this case.”
There will be a complete review of the AMP case and the current status in the January Smoke Signals, which will be available December 27, 2010.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Yesterday's court hearing
The court did not grant an injunction to stop construction of the park and motion of discovery of AMP's financials. However, several issues remain (according to the Hamryka's legal team) that could stop the racetrack... so the lawsuit continues.
There will be plenty of coverage about this ruling in the days ahead and we will post the stories to the blog as we find them.
Check back for the latest coverage and lawsuit updates.
There will be plenty of coverage about this ruling in the days ahead and we will post the stories to the blog as we find them.
Check back for the latest coverage and lawsuit updates.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Dawson Community News: Judge may halt work at car park site
MOVE AMP has been traveling, so we apologize for the delayed posting of this story.
Nonetheless, see the below article in the Dawson News.
About the attorney not being available... That's interesting because he has been available for everyone else. He was recently quoted in a story a couple of weeks ago.
Considering the paper has been in the tank for Porter's racetrack since the beginning, we suspect the paper never tried (or if they did, it was at the very last second - an hour or two before their deadline - so they could use this canned line).
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Judge may halt work at car park site
Hearing set for Tuesday
November 24, 2010
Opponents will ask a Superior Court judge on Tuesday to halt construction of a motorsports park in western Dawson County.
The testimony Senior Judge John Girardeau is expected to hear likely will be limited to the motion for interlocutory injunction that West and Helen Hamryka filed in October.
The Hamrykas, who live and operate a horse training business on about 70 acres across Duck Thrumond Road from the park site, contend they are “reasonably certain to sustain irreparable damage” if construction continues.
Attempts to reach their attorney were not successful.
Plans for Atlanta Motorsports Park call for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Park features also include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
The Hamrykas filed suit against developer Jeremy Porter shortly after the city of Dawsonville approved zoning for the park in 2008.
The motion for injunction asks to halt construction until a judge or jury can rule in the original complaint.
Porter remains optimistic construction will be allowed to continue, but said he is “sad to see someone try to stop a project that has put five local companies back to work.”
“I’ll be very surprised if the judge grants the motion,” he said.
The city and EHK Investments were also named in the suit, which argues the defendants are responsible for the “unlawful interference” of the plaintiffs’ right to enjoy their property and “for the disruption of their business.”
In addition, the lawsuit also contends the city violated zoning law by not requiring a regional impact study, which is required of mixed use developments.
EHK, which sold the property to Porter, was released from the suit in October after Girardeau ruled that knowing the intention of the site did not establish liability.
Nonetheless, see the below article in the Dawson News.
About the attorney not being available... That's interesting because he has been available for everyone else. He was recently quoted in a story a couple of weeks ago.
Considering the paper has been in the tank for Porter's racetrack since the beginning, we suspect the paper never tried (or if they did, it was at the very last second - an hour or two before their deadline - so they could use this canned line).
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Judge may halt work at car park site
Hearing set for Tuesday
November 24, 2010
Opponents will ask a Superior Court judge on Tuesday to halt construction of a motorsports park in western Dawson County.
The testimony Senior Judge John Girardeau is expected to hear likely will be limited to the motion for interlocutory injunction that West and Helen Hamryka filed in October.
The Hamrykas, who live and operate a horse training business on about 70 acres across Duck Thrumond Road from the park site, contend they are “reasonably certain to sustain irreparable damage” if construction continues.
Attempts to reach their attorney were not successful.
Plans for Atlanta Motorsports Park call for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Park features also include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
The Hamrykas filed suit against developer Jeremy Porter shortly after the city of Dawsonville approved zoning for the park in 2008.
The motion for injunction asks to halt construction until a judge or jury can rule in the original complaint.
Porter remains optimistic construction will be allowed to continue, but said he is “sad to see someone try to stop a project that has put five local companies back to work.”
“I’ll be very surprised if the judge grants the motion,” he said.
The city and EHK Investments were also named in the suit, which argues the defendants are responsible for the “unlawful interference” of the plaintiffs’ right to enjoy their property and “for the disruption of their business.”
In addition, the lawsuit also contends the city violated zoning law by not requiring a regional impact study, which is required of mixed use developments.
EHK, which sold the property to Porter, was released from the suit in October after Girardeau ruled that knowing the intention of the site did not establish liability.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Smoke Signals: Nov. 30 hearing to determine if injunction will halt further AMP construction
Great story below. Thanks to Smoke Signals for publishing an excellent article about the lawsuit. Be there if you can, in red shirts, on Tues., Nov. 30 at 10 am at the Dawson County Courthouse to show your opposition/disgust for this future nuisance.
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Will legal action put the brakes on Dawsonville’s proposed motorsports park?
With city cutbacks, Dawsonville mayor now responsible for oversight of zoning stipulations
By Lynda Zblewski
A November 30 hearing will determine whether a judge will approve an injunction to halt further development at the controversial Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) until all legal issues are resolved.
According to a statement issued by Richard Wingate, attorney for the Hamryka family (plaintiffs in this case), Senior Judge John Girardeau will hear the plaintiff’s motion for an interlocutory injunction against the proposed AMP at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, at the Dawson County Courthouse.
The purpose of the injunction is “to preserve the status quo, so that no further degradation of the environment can occur until the Court has ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims.”
Following rezoning of 152 acres in April 2009, West Hamryka, who owns a 70-acre horse farm across from the proposed motorsports park, filed suit charging the rezoning action was illegal. The suit claimed the defendants—City of Dawsonville, its mayor and council, Atlanta Motorsports Park, LLC, Jeremy Porter (Forsyth resident and AMP developer), and EHK Investments, LLC—were responsible “for the unlawful interference of [the Hamrykas’] right to enjoy the possession of their property and for the disruption of their business.”
On November 12, 2009, Judge Kathlene Gosselin issued an order completely denying all of the defendants' motions to dismiss the suit.
Resolute and determined
In a recent phone interview with Smoke Signals, West Hamryka’s resoluteness was apparent. He stated emphatically that his “resolve is unrelenting despite the active construction.” When asked if any legal change had occurred since the defendants’ motion to dismiss was denied last November, he said EHK Investments, LLC had been dropped from the suit.
The Hamrykas have also filed several motions according to Wingate “which if granted, will dispose of the lawsuit and prevent the AMP project from being completed because of the illegal rezoning action by the City of Dawsonville.”
Hamryka also stated: “We look forward to our first true day in court. We hope this project will be seen for the nuisance it is and that the court will reverse the illegal rezoning.” This proceeding will be open to the public and he encourages concerned citizens to attend.
Although Hamryka’s suit continues to move forward, work on the motorsports complex has also been allowed to proceed. According to Dawsonville City Clerk, Bonnie Warne, the appropriate land disturbance and signage permits have been applied for and issued to AMP.
The AMP website describes current construction status, along with photos of the progress. Although no building construction has begun, much grading and track work is continuing. As of this writing the AMP website reports they expect to be “operational” by the end of 2010.
Oversight of zoning stipulations
When the rezoning was approved last April, it carried 22 stipulations, a number of which were to be overseen by the Dawsonville Planning Director but, at this time, that position no longer exists. In an interview with Smoke Signals, Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox explained the oversight of these stipulations was now the responsibility of his office. Cox says he personally visits the site approximately two times a week.
In addition, portions of the construction supervision have been contracted out to Dawson County, as no personnel are employed by the City of Dawsonville to carry out these responsibilities. According to Mayor Cox this oversight is primarily in the area of environmental concerns.
When asked whether there had been any environmental issues, he related that there had been one early incident with regard to silt fencing that resulted in a fine. Since that time AMP has been in compliance. Two Dawson County employees are at the site once a week.
Mayor Cox was asked about one stipulation in particular that pertained to noise monitoring of the decibel level when the track is operational. This stipulation states there are to be a minimum of four sound meters placed around the perimeter of the property that will enable the decibel level to be monitored. The Mayor indicated that he planned to have a person assigned responsibility for monitoring the sound levels by the time the facility opened.
There was brief discussion of the AMP Web site claim that they planned to be operational by year’s end; however, Mayor Cox felt that was quite optimistic. He feels the timetable for opening is more likely next summer.
In a proactive move, a spokesperson for the Big Canoe Company, LLC confirmed that they have completed a sound study within Big Canoe to measure current sound levels. The purpose of this study is to provide a baseline for comparison if noise from AMP becomes an issue within our community.
Link to story:
http://bigcanoenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4366%3Anov-30-hearing-to-determine-if-injunction-will-halt-further-amp-construction-&catid=87%3Aheadline-stories&Itemid=100001
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Will legal action put the brakes on Dawsonville’s proposed motorsports park?
With city cutbacks, Dawsonville mayor now responsible for oversight of zoning stipulations
By Lynda Zblewski
A November 30 hearing will determine whether a judge will approve an injunction to halt further development at the controversial Atlanta Motorsports Park (AMP) until all legal issues are resolved.
According to a statement issued by Richard Wingate, attorney for the Hamryka family (plaintiffs in this case), Senior Judge John Girardeau will hear the plaintiff’s motion for an interlocutory injunction against the proposed AMP at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, at the Dawson County Courthouse.
The purpose of the injunction is “to preserve the status quo, so that no further degradation of the environment can occur until the Court has ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs’ claims.”
Following rezoning of 152 acres in April 2009, West Hamryka, who owns a 70-acre horse farm across from the proposed motorsports park, filed suit charging the rezoning action was illegal. The suit claimed the defendants—City of Dawsonville, its mayor and council, Atlanta Motorsports Park, LLC, Jeremy Porter (Forsyth resident and AMP developer), and EHK Investments, LLC—were responsible “for the unlawful interference of [the Hamrykas’] right to enjoy the possession of their property and for the disruption of their business.”On November 12, 2009, Judge Kathlene Gosselin issued an order completely denying all of the defendants' motions to dismiss the suit.
Resolute and determined
In a recent phone interview with Smoke Signals, West Hamryka’s resoluteness was apparent. He stated emphatically that his “resolve is unrelenting despite the active construction.” When asked if any legal change had occurred since the defendants’ motion to dismiss was denied last November, he said EHK Investments, LLC had been dropped from the suit.
The Hamrykas have also filed several motions according to Wingate “which if granted, will dispose of the lawsuit and prevent the AMP project from being completed because of the illegal rezoning action by the City of Dawsonville.”
Hamryka also stated: “We look forward to our first true day in court. We hope this project will be seen for the nuisance it is and that the court will reverse the illegal rezoning.” This proceeding will be open to the public and he encourages concerned citizens to attend.
Although Hamryka’s suit continues to move forward, work on the motorsports complex has also been allowed to proceed. According to Dawsonville City Clerk, Bonnie Warne, the appropriate land disturbance and signage permits have been applied for and issued to AMP.
The AMP website describes current construction status, along with photos of the progress. Although no building construction has begun, much grading and track work is continuing. As of this writing the AMP website reports they expect to be “operational” by the end of 2010.
Oversight of zoning stipulations
When the rezoning was approved last April, it carried 22 stipulations, a number of which were to be overseen by the Dawsonville Planning Director but, at this time, that position no longer exists. In an interview with Smoke Signals, Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox explained the oversight of these stipulations was now the responsibility of his office. Cox says he personally visits the site approximately two times a week.
In addition, portions of the construction supervision have been contracted out to Dawson County, as no personnel are employed by the City of Dawsonville to carry out these responsibilities. According to Mayor Cox this oversight is primarily in the area of environmental concerns.
When asked whether there had been any environmental issues, he related that there had been one early incident with regard to silt fencing that resulted in a fine. Since that time AMP has been in compliance. Two Dawson County employees are at the site once a week.
Mayor Cox was asked about one stipulation in particular that pertained to noise monitoring of the decibel level when the track is operational. This stipulation states there are to be a minimum of four sound meters placed around the perimeter of the property that will enable the decibel level to be monitored. The Mayor indicated that he planned to have a person assigned responsibility for monitoring the sound levels by the time the facility opened.
There was brief discussion of the AMP Web site claim that they planned to be operational by year’s end; however, Mayor Cox felt that was quite optimistic. He feels the timetable for opening is more likely next summer.
In a proactive move, a spokesperson for the Big Canoe Company, LLC confirmed that they have completed a sound study within Big Canoe to measure current sound levels. The purpose of this study is to provide a baseline for comparison if noise from AMP becomes an issue within our community.
Link to story:
http://bigcanoenews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4366%3Anov-30-hearing-to-determine-if-injunction-will-halt-further-amp-construction-&catid=87%3Aheadline-stories&Itemid=100001
Thursday, November 11, 2010
AMP lawsuit update: Court date set; plaintiffs filed several motions for summary judgment
Read the below email we received last night regarding the upcoming court date on Tuesday, November 30 at 10 am.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email from Dawsonville MSP Opposition (thanks for sending):
Greetings neighbors and concerned members of the community!
The Hamrykas and their attorneys have been working on this case diligently since it began despite the active construction at the site... and the day in court is here!
Tuesday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m., Senior Judge John Girardeau will hear the Plaintiff's Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.
This Motion for Interlocutory Injunction is to preserve the status quo, so that no further degradation of the environment can occur until (in our opinion - it looks like the damage is already done and irreparable) the Court has ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs' claims.
Show up to the court in solidarity, in support of the Hamryka family, and show your desire to preserve the integrity of our community against inappropriate, invasive, high impact businesses invading our homes.
Stand for what is right alongside the Hamrykas.
Thank you and hope to see you at the courthouse Tuesday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m.!
We will send out a reminder along with any potential updates the weekend before the hearing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Email from Dawsonville MSP Opposition (thanks for sending):
Greetings neighbors and concerned members of the community!
The Hamrykas and their attorneys have been working on this case diligently since it began despite the active construction at the site... and the day in court is here!
Tuesday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m., Senior Judge John Girardeau will hear the Plaintiff's Motion for Interlocutory Injunction.
The Plaintiffs have asked the Court to halt the development of the AMP Property until all the underlying legal issues have been conclusively resolved. Plaintiffs have filed several Motions for Summary Judgment, which if granted, will dispose of the lawsuit and prevent the AMP Project from being completed because of the illegal rezoning action by the City of Dawsonville.
This Motion for Interlocutory Injunction is to preserve the status quo, so that no further degradation of the environment can occur until (in our opinion - it looks like the damage is already done and irreparable) the Court has ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs' claims.
Show up to the court in solidarity, in support of the Hamryka family, and show your desire to preserve the integrity of our community against inappropriate, invasive, high impact businesses invading our homes.
Stand for what is right alongside the Hamrykas.
Thank you and hope to see you at the courthouse Tuesday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m.!
We will send out a reminder along with any potential updates the weekend before the hearing.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about potential track runoff/pollution issues
After watching this video of Porter talking about the "green" (i.e. money and screwing up the local land/environment), I had a slight observation/question. If he's all about being green, then why is he whining about spending $300,000 in stream credits and obtaining a permit to cross a stream on the property?
Further, this stream feeds into other tributaries that are home to the endangered and federally protected Etowah darter, which is found in nearby waterways. This fish will probably see its fair share of stormwater/track runoff (e.g. oil, car fluids, etc.) from his "green" race park.
Other darter species, both threatened and endangered (and federally protected by law), could experience similar negative (and possibly deadly) impacts from pollution runoff issues associated with his race track.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) is closely following development and pollution issues relating to several darter species in northwest Georgia. Readers are strongly encouraged to contact the FWS (see below) about potential runoff/pollution issues. Request the federal agency, which you fund through your tax dollars, to review Porter's applicable environmental work. If he's so green, then surely his stream mitigation and runoff studies/plans will limit any harmful impacts to these threatened and endangered species.
Contact information for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Cindy Dohner, Regional Director or Ken McDermond, Deputy Regional Director
1875 Century Boulevard
Atlanta GA, 30345
southeast@fws.gov
404-679-4000
OR
Pete Pattavina
706-613-9493 x236
pete_pattavina@fws.gov
Further, this stream feeds into other tributaries that are home to the endangered and federally protected Etowah darter, which is found in nearby waterways. This fish will probably see its fair share of stormwater/track runoff (e.g. oil, car fluids, etc.) from his "green" race park.
Other darter species, both threatened and endangered (and federally protected by law), could experience similar negative (and possibly deadly) impacts from pollution runoff issues associated with his race track.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) is closely following development and pollution issues relating to several darter species in northwest Georgia. Readers are strongly encouraged to contact the FWS (see below) about potential runoff/pollution issues. Request the federal agency, which you fund through your tax dollars, to review Porter's applicable environmental work. If he's so green, then surely his stream mitigation and runoff studies/plans will limit any harmful impacts to these threatened and endangered species.
Contact information for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
Cindy Dohner, Regional Director or Ken McDermond, Deputy Regional Director
1875 Century Boulevard
Atlanta GA, 30345
southeast@fws.gov
404-679-4000
OR
Pete Pattavina
706-613-9493 x236
pete_pattavina@fws.gov
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Update?
Don't have one. We're still here - scanning the news, emails, social media, etc. for updates. Stay tuned.
Hopefully Porter and AMP will give us some more fodder like the oh so brilliant Super Speeder promotion. Remember that gem... when the media skewered him for his ill-conceived PR stunt.
Maybe he can do one for the coolest spoiler?
Hopefully Porter and AMP will give us some more fodder like the oh so brilliant Super Speeder promotion. Remember that gem... when the media skewered him for his ill-conceived PR stunt.
Maybe he can do one for the coolest spoiler?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Dawson County News: Former property owner released from lawsuit
Judge: Knowing intention of site does not create liability
A judge ruled Sept. 14 that the former owner of 152 acres in western Dawson County is not a proper party for a lawsuit challenging the construction of a motorsports park on the site.
Porter’s plan calls for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Other features include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
Porter and the city of Dawsonville are also named in the suit, which challenges zoning regulations and argues the park will create a nuisance for the plaintiffs, West and Helen Hamryka.
Richard Wingate, an attorney for the Hamrykas, on Monday said Girardeau’s ruling “was very limited in scope and has no impact on the rest of the lawsuit.”
“We are still moving forward,” he said.
The Hamrykas own a home and horse training facility across Duck Thurmond Road from the site, where grading work has begun.
Porter said dismissing EHK from the suit will lead to a domino effect for the other defendants in the case.
Elliott could not be reached for comment.
The case was assigned to Girardeau after Superior Court Judges Bonnie Oliver and Kathlene Gosselin recused themselves.
A judge ruled Sept. 14 that the former owner of 152 acres in western Dawson County is not a proper party for a lawsuit challenging the construction of a motorsports park on the site.
Northeastern Judicial Circuit Senior Judge John Girardeau granted a motion for summary judgement filed by EHK Investments, saying the firm’s knowledge that the property was to be used as a motorsports park does not “create liability.”Famed NASCAR engine builder Ernie Elliott owns EHK Investments. In September 2009, he sold the property on Duck Thurmond Road, west of downtown Dawsonville, to developer Jeremy Porter, president of Atlanta Motorsports Park.
Porter’s plan calls for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles. Other features include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
Porter and the city of Dawsonville are also named in the suit, which challenges zoning regulations and argues the park will create a nuisance for the plaintiffs, West and Helen Hamryka.
Richard Wingate, an attorney for the Hamrykas, on Monday said Girardeau’s ruling “was very limited in scope and has no impact on the rest of the lawsuit.”
“We are still moving forward,” he said.
The Hamrykas own a home and horse training facility across Duck Thurmond Road from the site, where grading work has begun.
Porter said dismissing EHK from the suit will lead to a domino effect for the other defendants in the case.
Elliott could not be reached for comment.
The case was assigned to Girardeau after Superior Court Judges Bonnie Oliver and Kathlene Gosselin recused themselves.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Dawson County News: Porter promises big at chamber event
Car park official speaks at event
The president of Atlanta Motorsports Park spoke at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week to give members an update on the facility’s progress.
Jeremy Porter told an audience of more than 80 at the monthly gathering Sept. 9 that the new business will pump dollars into the local economy and perpetuate Dawson County’s racing culture.
Porter said the motor sports culture will be cultivated by the facility.
“In my opinion, this is very much a motor sports community,” he said. “The city, the county ... our hope is to continue to bring that culture into the county.”
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce holds monthly luncheons, where local business and community leaders are invited to speak.
The president of Atlanta Motorsports Park spoke at the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week to give members an update on the facility’s progress.
Jeremy Porter told an audience of more than 80 at the monthly gathering Sept. 9 that the new business will pump dollars into the local economy and perpetuate Dawson County’s racing culture.
Porter said small businesses will follow the park — located in the county’s west end — to Dawson County, stimulating the economy beyond its immediate impact.Porter said that five local construction companies had already been hired to build the park, benefiting the economy.
“You’re going to see a lot of properties and land being taken up,” Porter said. “Businesses will move to this area, which will bring additional jobs and impact the local economy.”
Porter said the motor sports culture will be cultivated by the facility.
“In my opinion, this is very much a motor sports community,” he said. “The city, the county ... our hope is to continue to bring that culture into the county.”
Dawson County resident Jane Graves asked Porter about the ongoing lawsuit against the business, the city of Dawsonville and EHK Investments by West and Helen Hamryka.He said construction is moving along, and that by the end of 2011, a track and garages would be complete.
“We’re still in the midst of that,” Porter said. “I’m very disappointed.”
The Dawson County Chamber of Commerce holds monthly luncheons, where local business and community leaders are invited to speak.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Dawson County News: Despite lawsuit, park moves ahead
A new judge has been assigned to hear the case against a planned motorsports park in western Dawson County.
Superior Court Judges Bonnie Oliver and Kathlene Gosselin have both recused themselves from presiding over a lawsuit filed by West and Helen Hamryka against Atlanta Motorsports Park, the city of Dawsonville and EHK Investments.
According to Richard Wingate, the Hamryka’s attorney, Oliver vacationed several years ago in a condo owned by Bill Elliott.
Elliott is the younger brother of Ernie Elliott, who owns EHK Investments and sold to developer Jeremy Porter the land that is being graded for the motorsports park.
It could not be determined why Gosselin recused herself.
Senior Judge John Girardeau is expected Monday to hear a summary judgement motion filed by attorneys for EHK.
The attorneys contend their client was not a proper party in the lawsuit since Ernie Elliott would “have no involvement in or control over any construction or development.”
Billed as a country club for sports car enthusiasts, the Atlanta Motorsports Park plan calls for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles.
Other planned features include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
The lawsuit maintains 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.”
The Hamrykas, whose property and horse training business sit directly across Duck Thurmond from the motorsports park site, contend the city of Dawsonville violated zoning procedure when approving Porter’s rezoning request in April 2009.
Last month, the Hamryka’s filed a motion for partial summary judgement on their contention that the city should have required a development of regional impact study before granting approval for a “mixed-use” development.
Porter, who called the lawsuit “abusive and frivolous,” is optimistic and continuing to move forward.
“We’re trucking along,” he said. “We’re a little bit behind schedule, but if all goes as planned, the main track, the cart track and the first phase of garages will be up Dec. 15.
“That’s the goal, and we want to make sure that we meet that date.”
Porter said to appease opponents of the project, the track has been shortened and repositioned. Additional sound barriers are also planned.
“We have definitely taken a tremendous amount of steps that are very unconventional for a motorsports park,” he said.
Superior Court Judges Bonnie Oliver and Kathlene Gosselin have both recused themselves from presiding over a lawsuit filed by West and Helen Hamryka against Atlanta Motorsports Park, the city of Dawsonville and EHK Investments.
According to Richard Wingate, the Hamryka’s attorney, Oliver vacationed several years ago in a condo owned by Bill Elliott.
Elliott is the younger brother of Ernie Elliott, who owns EHK Investments and sold to developer Jeremy Porter the land that is being graded for the motorsports park.
It could not be determined why Gosselin recused herself.
Senior Judge John Girardeau is expected Monday to hear a summary judgement motion filed by attorneys for EHK.
The attorneys contend their client was not a proper party in the lawsuit since Ernie Elliott would “have no involvement in or control over any construction or development.”
Billed as a country club for sports car enthusiasts, the Atlanta Motorsports Park plan calls for about two miles of high performance road course for two- and four-wheel vehicles.
Other planned features include a members-only lounge, 10,000-square-foot clubhouse, pool and hiking trails.
The lawsuit maintains 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.”
The Hamrykas, whose property and horse training business sit directly across Duck Thurmond from the motorsports park site, contend the city of Dawsonville violated zoning procedure when approving Porter’s rezoning request in April 2009.
Last month, the Hamryka’s filed a motion for partial summary judgement on their contention that the city should have required a development of regional impact study before granting approval for a “mixed-use” development.
Porter, who called the lawsuit “abusive and frivolous,” is optimistic and continuing to move forward.
“We’re trucking along,” he said. “We’re a little bit behind schedule, but if all goes as planned, the main track, the cart track and the first phase of garages will be up Dec. 15.
“That’s the goal, and we want to make sure that we meet that date.”
Porter said to appease opponents of the project, the track has been shortened and repositioned. Additional sound barriers are also planned.
“We have definitely taken a tremendous amount of steps that are very unconventional for a motorsports park,” he said.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Good news from the recent elections
It was nice to see Steve Holder finish near the bottom of the County Clerk of Courts election last month. Anyone that creates such crap stipulations for AMP (that are not and will not be enforced) should not even be elected as the "Janitor of Food Courts." Here's to you, Steve and your stipulations.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Nearby residents now facing road issues from AMP
From the recent email we received:
"The County DOT lifted their requirement to have AMP rework Duck Thurmond Rd to make it safer for the added traffic. In the rezoning meetings, Mr. Porter stated that AMP would have less daily traffic than Dairy Queen (TOTAL BS, and everyone knows it), however, AMP plans on having 199 parking places, unlimited spectators, car transports and trailers, and fuel tankers to provide gas to patrons. Local citizens should consider contacting the Dawson County DOT with their concerns regarding this apparent inaccuracy. The inevitable road improvements needed to accommodate the increased traffic load projection on (Sweetwater Juno and Duck Thurmond) roads, roads which already show wear and decline (more of that "good neighbor" promise from Porter), should be the burden of the development, not the taxpayers."
With that said, forget the county DOT. Below is contact information for Ga. DOT - maybe they can help. We'd recommend loading up their voice mails, etc. and have someone at the state agency review the road situation, which is only going to decline.
Steve Gooch, GDOT state board member, congressional district 9:
P.O. Box 600
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone - 706-300-6568
Fax - 706-864-1036
GDOT District One (which includes Dawson County, per GDOT's website)
Todd McDuffie, District Engineer
Phone - 770-532-5526
2505 Athens Hwy SE
Gainesville, GA 30507
"The County DOT lifted their requirement to have AMP rework Duck Thurmond Rd to make it safer for the added traffic. In the rezoning meetings, Mr. Porter stated that AMP would have less daily traffic than Dairy Queen (TOTAL BS, and everyone knows it), however, AMP plans on having 199 parking places, unlimited spectators, car transports and trailers, and fuel tankers to provide gas to patrons. Local citizens should consider contacting the Dawson County DOT with their concerns regarding this apparent inaccuracy. The inevitable road improvements needed to accommodate the increased traffic load projection on (Sweetwater Juno and Duck Thurmond) roads, roads which already show wear and decline (more of that "good neighbor" promise from Porter), should be the burden of the development, not the taxpayers."
With that said, forget the county DOT. Below is contact information for Ga. DOT - maybe they can help. We'd recommend loading up their voice mails, etc. and have someone at the state agency review the road situation, which is only going to decline.
Steve Gooch, GDOT state board member, congressional district 9:
P.O. Box 600
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone - 706-300-6568
Fax - 706-864-1036
GDOT District One (which includes Dawson County, per GDOT's website)
Todd McDuffie, District Engineer
Phone - 770-532-5526
2505 Athens Hwy SE
Gainesville, GA 30507
Update on lawsuit against AMP
We received the below update last night and wanted to share it with you. Thanks to the original author for the forward. Per the update - make sure you vote against (or not for) former Dawsonville city planner Steve Holder next week in the clerk of court election!
He's the clown that came up with the "stipulations" for Jeremy Porter's racetrack - which are not being followed as Holder promised.
Move AMP
------------
General Lawsuit and Information Updates
The lawsuit against AMP, the City of Dawsonville, and EHK (Elliott) Investments has been assigned to its third judge. The first judge, Hon. Kathlene Gosselin was reassigned, the second judge, Hon. Bonnie Oliver has removed herself. Currently, Northeastern Circuit Senior Judge John Girardeau will be hearing the case.
The Hamryka's attorneys, Hallmann and Wingate, have filed two motions for partial summary judgment with more to follow. They also requested the judge to compel AMP founder, Jeremy Porter, to disclose information that was not released during discovery.
The County DOT lifted their requirement to have AMP rework Duck Thurmond Rd to make it safer for the added traffic. In the rezoning meetings, Mr. Porter stated that AMP would have less daily traffic than Dairy Queen, however, AMP plans on having 199 parking places, unlimited spectators, car transports and trailers, and fuel tankers to provide gas to patrons. Local citizens should consider contacting the Dawson County DOT with their concerns regarding this apparent inaccuracy. The inevitable road improvements needed to accommodate the increased traffic load projection on (Sweetwater Juno and Duck Thurmond) roads, roads which already show wear and decline, should be the burden of the development, not the taxpayers.
Observations from the construction site
Mr. Porter has been inviting investors to preview the course site, promoting the course pictures: http://nascar.speedtv.com/article/cars-atlanta-motorsports-park-no-bailout-needed/
Driving by the reality tells a different story. It is hard to imagine the site, stripped of mature trees, resembling the "green" plans, even in decades to come.
Editor's comments on the upcoming elections
Elections are upon us with plenty of candidates vying to fill the position of clerk of court. For many of us on this mailing list, one name stands out: former city planner, Steve Holder.
When interviewed, Mr. Holder shared: "Integrity starts at the top and works its way down.”
While we always hope our representatives who make impactful decisions exhibit an unwavering level of integrity and set a standard, personal integrity stands alone and is a value within each individual; renewed and called upon daily.
Personal integrity is the barometer in the choices we make that tells us as individuals what we are doing is right, whether we are at the top or the bottom of the chain of command.
The notion of trickle down integrity shouldn't be overly impressive for obvious reasons.
For those who are unfamiliar with Mr. Holder, he was the City Planning director in charge of creating and compiling stipulations for Atlanta Motorsports Park, stipulations which will dictate what kind of impact this facility has on the property value and enjoyment for homeowners up to several miles away from the track.
The willful lack of fair consideration for residents has left those in the adjacent community facing not only property devaluation, but an even more significant devaluation: the diminishment of quality of life.
At one public hearing where the developer advised supporters to wear blue, Mr. Holder wore a blue shirt, warmly greeting a crowd of mainly out of town supporters of the track, while worried residents sat feeling they had no one in their corner to grant them equitable considerations.
Now, Mr. Holder asks for your vote for a coveted county position.
Many residents feel we will pay prolonged and dearly for his decision not to provide fair and decent protective stipulations to the resident taxpayers who will live with the increased traffic, dangers and noise Atlanta Motorsports Park will bring.
Keep those thoughts in mind when you cast your vote.
An end note on voting in general:
If a candidate is running unopposed and you do not feel this candidate has represented you, or if you feel none of the candidates are good representatives you are comfortable voting for, you may either leave the ballot blank, write someone in, or cast a protest vote by writing in fictional or iconic characters, thereby registering your discontent.
Regardless for whom or how you cast your vote, exercise your right to vote, and in doing so, be heard.
He's the clown that came up with the "stipulations" for Jeremy Porter's racetrack - which are not being followed as Holder promised.
Move AMP
------------
General Lawsuit and Information Updates
The lawsuit against AMP, the City of Dawsonville, and EHK (Elliott) Investments has been assigned to its third judge. The first judge, Hon. Kathlene Gosselin was reassigned, the second judge, Hon. Bonnie Oliver has removed herself. Currently, Northeastern Circuit Senior Judge John Girardeau will be hearing the case.
The Hamryka's attorneys, Hallmann and Wingate, have filed two motions for partial summary judgment with more to follow. They also requested the judge to compel AMP founder, Jeremy Porter, to disclose information that was not released during discovery.
The County DOT lifted their requirement to have AMP rework Duck Thurmond Rd to make it safer for the added traffic. In the rezoning meetings, Mr. Porter stated that AMP would have less daily traffic than Dairy Queen, however, AMP plans on having 199 parking places, unlimited spectators, car transports and trailers, and fuel tankers to provide gas to patrons. Local citizens should consider contacting the Dawson County DOT with their concerns regarding this apparent inaccuracy. The inevitable road improvements needed to accommodate the increased traffic load projection on (Sweetwater Juno and Duck Thurmond) roads, roads which already show wear and decline, should be the burden of the development, not the taxpayers.
Observations from the construction site
Mr. Porter has been inviting investors to preview the course site, promoting the course pictures: http://nascar.speedtv.com/article/cars-atlanta-motorsports-park-no-bailout-needed/
Driving by the reality tells a different story. It is hard to imagine the site, stripped of mature trees, resembling the "green" plans, even in decades to come.
Editor's comments on the upcoming elections
Elections are upon us with plenty of candidates vying to fill the position of clerk of court. For many of us on this mailing list, one name stands out: former city planner, Steve Holder.
When interviewed, Mr. Holder shared: "Integrity starts at the top and works its way down.”
While we always hope our representatives who make impactful decisions exhibit an unwavering level of integrity and set a standard, personal integrity stands alone and is a value within each individual; renewed and called upon daily.
Personal integrity is the barometer in the choices we make that tells us as individuals what we are doing is right, whether we are at the top or the bottom of the chain of command.
The notion of trickle down integrity shouldn't be overly impressive for obvious reasons.
For those who are unfamiliar with Mr. Holder, he was the City Planning director in charge of creating and compiling stipulations for Atlanta Motorsports Park, stipulations which will dictate what kind of impact this facility has on the property value and enjoyment for homeowners up to several miles away from the track.
The willful lack of fair consideration for residents has left those in the adjacent community facing not only property devaluation, but an even more significant devaluation: the diminishment of quality of life.
At one public hearing where the developer advised supporters to wear blue, Mr. Holder wore a blue shirt, warmly greeting a crowd of mainly out of town supporters of the track, while worried residents sat feeling they had no one in their corner to grant them equitable considerations.
Now, Mr. Holder asks for your vote for a coveted county position.
Many residents feel we will pay prolonged and dearly for his decision not to provide fair and decent protective stipulations to the resident taxpayers who will live with the increased traffic, dangers and noise Atlanta Motorsports Park will bring.
Keep those thoughts in mind when you cast your vote.
An end note on voting in general:
If a candidate is running unopposed and you do not feel this candidate has represented you, or if you feel none of the candidates are good representatives you are comfortable voting for, you may either leave the ballot blank, write someone in, or cast a protest vote by writing in fictional or iconic characters, thereby registering your discontent.
Regardless for whom or how you cast your vote, exercise your right to vote, and in doing so, be heard.
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