Showing posts with label Steve Holder. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Holder. Show all posts
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
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.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dawson Community News: Developer closes on car park property
Nice to see the reporter work in the always positive, marketing/promotional copy for Mr. Porter. Additionally, the Dawson News & Advertiser published a story today about the lawsuit. Unfortunately, the paper is not listing entire articles online, so we're unable to post it. Nevertheless, go pick-up a copy for additional coverage on this developing story. Chances are, their take on it will not read like an advertisement for AMP.
EDIT - see above for News & Advertiser story. Called that one.
Developer closes on car park property
Lawsuit will return to court next month
Less than 24 hours before a judge was to rule on a lawsuit aimed at stopping a proposed motorsports park in western Dawson County, the developer closed on the property.
Jeremy Porter must wait about two weeks before he can begin obtaining the necessary permits to begin construction.
The time will give attorneys on both sides an opportunity to resubmit motions and clarify the lawsuit.
West and Helen Hamryka, who live across from the property on Duck Thurmond Road, filed the suit earlier this year against Atlanta Motrosports Park, the City of Dawsonville and EHK (Ernie Elliott).
Friday, the defendants named in the lawsuit asked the court to dismiss the civil case.
Attorneys for the Hamrykas contend the city violated zoning procedure when approving Porter’s rezoning request for the 152 acres in April.
The suit also 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 operate a horse farm on the site.
Superior Court Judge Kathlene Gosselin said she considered tossing out the latter claim since there was no way to know “reasonably certainty” that a nuisance would exist until the park was built.
“It hasn’t happened yet,” she said, adding there would be opportunities throughout the permitting process to claim and prove nuisance. “I am leaning toward granting the motion to dismiss that.”
Instead, Gosselin held off and gave each side two more weeks to prepare briefs and rewrite motions that better suit the case at hand.
Much of the discussions Friday involved the amount of time between when the lawsuit was filed in Superior Court and when the defendants were formally served.
The defendants were not served for more than 40 days, according to statements in court.
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.
Gosselin told attorneys from both sides to determine whether the issue was an appeal.
“This is not an appeal,” said Dawsonville attorney Dana Miles. “They never filed an appeal to the zoning. They also never filed a notice of appeal, which is a separate document from the appeal itself.”
Attorneys for the Hamrykas agreed.
“Without damage, there can be no cause of action,” Calkins said.
Porter has called the lawsuit, which he said is an attempt to deter investors, frivolous from the
beginning.
But neither investors nor those involved with development have been swayed, according to Porter.
He announced last week Bryan Moss, former chairman of Gulfstream Aerospace, was added to the park’s board of advisors.
He currently also sits on the board for the Skip Barber Racing School and has a deep understanding of motorsports.
“Bryan adds dimension to our team with his vast success in corporate America, his ability to build a world-class brand, and his excellence in serving his clients,” Porter said.
“We plan to tap into that intellectual capital for our business and members to help prevent pitfalls and accelerate the successes.”
Billed as unique and eco-friendly, the 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,” 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.
EDIT - see above for News & Advertiser story. Called that one.
Developer closes on car park property
Lawsuit will return to court next month
Less than 24 hours before a judge was to rule on a lawsuit aimed at stopping a proposed motorsports park in western Dawson County, the developer closed on the property.
Jeremy Porter must wait about two weeks before he can begin obtaining the necessary permits to begin construction.
The time will give attorneys on both sides an opportunity to resubmit motions and clarify the lawsuit.
West and Helen Hamryka, who live across from the property on Duck Thurmond Road, filed the suit earlier this year against Atlanta Motrosports Park, the City of Dawsonville and EHK (Ernie Elliott).
Friday, the defendants named in the lawsuit asked the court to dismiss the civil case.
Attorneys for the Hamrykas contend the city violated zoning procedure when approving Porter’s rezoning request for the 152 acres in April.
The suit also 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 operate a horse farm on the site.
Superior Court Judge Kathlene Gosselin said she considered tossing out the latter claim since there was no way to know “reasonably certainty” that a nuisance would exist until the park was built.
“It hasn’t happened yet,” she said, adding there would be opportunities throughout the permitting process to claim and prove nuisance. “I am leaning toward granting the motion to dismiss that.”
Instead, Gosselin held off and gave each side two more weeks to prepare briefs and rewrite motions that better suit the case at hand.
Much of the discussions Friday involved the amount of time between when the lawsuit was filed in Superior Court and when the defendants were formally served.
The defendants were not served for more than 40 days, according to statements in court.
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.
Gosselin told attorneys from both sides to determine whether the issue was an appeal.
“This is not an appeal,” said Dawsonville attorney Dana Miles. “They never filed an appeal to the zoning. They also never filed a notice of appeal, which is a separate document from the appeal itself.”
Attorneys for the Hamrykas agreed.
“If this case is dismissed, we could refile it tomorrow, and surely we would,” said attorney Richard Wingate.Thomas Calkins, attorney for Elliott, who sold the property on Duck Thurmond Road to Porter, said his client “will have no involvement in or control over any construction or development” and “is not a proper party in the lawsuit.”
“Without damage, there can be no cause of action,” Calkins said.
Porter has called the lawsuit, which he said is an attempt to deter investors, frivolous from the
beginning.
But neither investors nor those involved with development have been swayed, according to Porter.
He announced last week Bryan Moss, former chairman of Gulfstream Aerospace, was added to the park’s board of advisors.
He currently also sits on the board for the Skip Barber Racing School and has a deep understanding of motorsports.
“Bryan adds dimension to our team with his vast success in corporate America, his ability to build a world-class brand, and his excellence in serving his clients,” Porter said.
“We plan to tap into that intellectual capital for our business and members to help prevent pitfalls and accelerate the successes.”
Billed as unique and eco-friendly, the 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,” 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.
One condition of the zoning is to have the development running within three years, which Porter said still is the plan.
Friday, August 28, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Strike that (for now): Dawsonville not in running for car plant
Dawsonville not in running for car plant
Company chairman says report ‘highly inappropriate’
Recent talk that a high performance police car automaker was considering a site in Dawsonville may have been wishful thinking on the part of a local real estate agent.
William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Carbon Motors, said the announcement was “highly inappropriate” and no discussions have taken place about a possible site in Dawsonville.
“There is one site in Georgia we are focused on and that’s Braselton,” Li said Monday afternoon. “We’re not looking at Dawsonville. There have been no meetings, no discussions. There never were and at this rate there never will be.”
Li said Carbon Motors could decide on a site by the end of July.
“I don’t have time for this, and I don’t appreciate it,” he said.
Carolyn Cantrell made a presentation to the Dawsonville City Council last week, saying she was attempting to woo the automaker to a site across Hwy. 183 from the Elliott Racing Complex.
Cantrell, who could not be reached for comment this week, also facilitated the land sale between the developer of a proposed motorsports park and Ernie Elliott on Duck Thurmond Road.
She told council last week the property was ideal for the automaker due to its proximity to Elliott’s airport and to Atlanta Motorsports Park, which the city council approved last month.
She estimated the plant’s overall economic impact at $3 billion over 10 years, with as many as 2,000 employees by the time the plant reaches full capacity.
Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox said Tuesday it would have been nice to have the plant in Dawsonville, but he was “just glad they’re wanting to stay in Georgia.”
“This was brought to us,” Cox said. “We didn’t go out and pursue it. We let [Cantrell] speak last week, because like I said then, I wanted to get this started right, with the facts up front, so people would know what’s going on.
Councilwoman Linda Grant echoed Cox’s sentiments.
“Hopefully, by Dawsonville being brought up in the conversation, we will get some companies that will come here and create new jobs. We have so many people, and so many youth, that need work.”
While it may not include Carbon Motors, motorsports park developer Jeremy Porter said industry will follow the site.
Late last week, Porter said he had confirmation that three automotive companies were preparing to relocate to Dawsonville.
“Those three include one major company in the motor world that’s willing to relocate its headquarters to Atlanta Motorsports Park,” he said.
Porter said two motorsports companies in the Sugar Hill area were interested in relocating to Dawsonville.
Steve Holder, planning director for the city, said he has not heard from any specific businesses.
Preliminary estimates by the Development Authority of Dawson County indicated the motorsports park would be an economic stimulator for the area, with other like industry following suit.
According to Porter, legendary Formula One track architects, Tilke, has agreed to design the local course.
“That’s huge,” Porter said. “They are responsible for nearly every modern-era Formula One track designed in the last 10 years. By partnering with the foremost track designer, AMP has taken further steps to ensure we will stand out as North America’s premier facility for motorsports enthusiasts.”
Porter said he continues to talk with other automotive companies that would also fit in well with the motorsports park.
“Others will follow and are paying a lot more attention now that we have the zoning to move forward,” he said.
E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
Company chairman says report ‘highly inappropriate’
Recent talk that a high performance police car automaker was considering a site in Dawsonville may have been wishful thinking on the part of a local real estate agent.
William Santana Li, chairman and chief executive officer of Carbon Motors, said the announcement was “highly inappropriate” and no discussions have taken place about a possible site in Dawsonville.
“There is one site in Georgia we are focused on and that’s Braselton,” Li said Monday afternoon. “We’re not looking at Dawsonville. There have been no meetings, no discussions. There never were and at this rate there never will be.”
Li said Carbon Motors could decide on a site by the end of July.
“I don’t have time for this, and I don’t appreciate it,” he said.
Carolyn Cantrell made a presentation to the Dawsonville City Council last week, saying she was attempting to woo the automaker to a site across Hwy. 183 from the Elliott Racing Complex.
Cantrell, who could not be reached for comment this week, also facilitated the land sale between the developer of a proposed motorsports park and Ernie Elliott on Duck Thurmond Road.
She told council last week the property was ideal for the automaker due to its proximity to Elliott’s airport and to Atlanta Motorsports Park, which the city council approved last month.
She estimated the plant’s overall economic impact at $3 billion over 10 years, with as many as 2,000 employees by the time the plant reaches full capacity.
Dawsonville Mayor Joe Lane Cox said Tuesday it would have been nice to have the plant in Dawsonville, but he was “just glad they’re wanting to stay in Georgia.”
“This was brought to us,” Cox said. “We didn’t go out and pursue it. We let [Cantrell] speak last week, because like I said then, I wanted to get this started right, with the facts up front, so people would know what’s going on.
Councilwoman Linda Grant echoed Cox’s sentiments.
“Hopefully, by Dawsonville being brought up in the conversation, we will get some companies that will come here and create new jobs. We have so many people, and so many youth, that need work.”
While it may not include Carbon Motors, motorsports park developer Jeremy Porter said industry will follow the site.
Late last week, Porter said he had confirmation that three automotive companies were preparing to relocate to Dawsonville.
“Those three include one major company in the motor world that’s willing to relocate its headquarters to Atlanta Motorsports Park,” he said.
Porter said two motorsports companies in the Sugar Hill area were interested in relocating to Dawsonville.
Steve Holder, planning director for the city, said he has not heard from any specific businesses.
Preliminary estimates by the Development Authority of Dawson County indicated the motorsports park would be an economic stimulator for the area, with other like industry following suit.
According to Porter, legendary Formula One track architects, Tilke, has agreed to design the local course.
“That’s huge,” Porter said. “They are responsible for nearly every modern-era Formula One track designed in the last 10 years. By partnering with the foremost track designer, AMP has taken further steps to ensure we will stand out as North America’s premier facility for motorsports enthusiasts.”
Porter said he continues to talk with other automotive companies that would also fit in well with the motorsports park.
“Others will follow and are paying a lot more attention now that we have the zoning to move forward,” he said.
E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Smoke Signals: Dawsonville okays AMP rezoning; Hamryka’s vow to fight on, pursue legal action
Dawsonville okays AMP rezoning
Hamryka’s vow to fight on, pursue legal action By Barbara Schneider
bschneider@bigcanoenews.com
Fifteen minutes into its Monday night meeting, the Dawsonville City Council unanimously approved rezoning 152 acres along Duck Thurmond Road for the proposed Atlanta Motorsports Park.
The Council’s vote will reclassify a portion of 1,500 acres currently owned by the Elliot family along Duck Thurmond Road near Hwy 53 from residential 1 to CIR (restricted industrial district). Before the vote, Steve Holder, Dawsonville’s Planning Director, read 22 stipulations the Council attached to the proposal. When constructed, AMP will be about four miles from Big Canoe’s north gate.
Old business
The zoning change, listed as old business on the Council’s April 13 agenda, comes after months of public meetings, protests from Citizens4 Dawson and concerned neighbors, and a slick PR campaign from AMP developer Jeremy Porter.
As soon as Mayor Joe Lane Cox announced the rezoning was approved -- and while scattered boos and cheers erupted from opposing sides in the crowded council chamber -- AMP’s PR people handed the media a two-page press release beginning with a “We could not have received better news. I am ecstatic,” quote from developer Porter. The release listed “strategic partners and contractors who had already been selected “in anticipation of the [rezoning] approval.”
Opposes AMP
Meeting with the media after the vote, Wes(t) Hamryka, who owns a 70-acre horse farm directly across Duck Thurmond Road from the proposed motorsports park, vowed to continue the fight. “It’s what we expected at this stage,” he said when asked about the council’s vote to approve rezoning. “We are prepared to take this to the next legal step.”
When asked by an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter why he would be willing to spend possibly a hundred thousand dollars to fight the city, Hamryka replied, “The Council only voted to change zoning on one property but the precedent is set for the next developer who comes in.” The City, he said, basically threw out the land use plan approved last year. He is prepared to sue the City of Dawsonville for improper spot zoning and willing to take the City through protracted legal battle.
Hamryka’s vow to fight on, pursue legal action By Barbara Schneider
bschneider@bigcanoenews.com
Fifteen minutes into its Monday night meeting, the Dawsonville City Council unanimously approved rezoning 152 acres along Duck Thurmond Road for the proposed Atlanta Motorsports Park.
The Council’s vote will reclassify a portion of 1,500 acres currently owned by the Elliot family along Duck Thurmond Road near Hwy 53 from residential 1 to CIR (restricted industrial district). Before the vote, Steve Holder, Dawsonville’s Planning Director, read 22 stipulations the Council attached to the proposal. When constructed, AMP will be about four miles from Big Canoe’s north gate.
Old business
The zoning change, listed as old business on the Council’s April 13 agenda, comes after months of public meetings, protests from Citizens4 Dawson and concerned neighbors, and a slick PR campaign from AMP developer Jeremy Porter.
As soon as Mayor Joe Lane Cox announced the rezoning was approved -- and while scattered boos and cheers erupted from opposing sides in the crowded council chamber -- AMP’s PR people handed the media a two-page press release beginning with a “We could not have received better news. I am ecstatic,” quote from developer Porter. The release listed “strategic partners and contractors who had already been selected “in anticipation of the [rezoning] approval.”
Opposes AMP
Meeting with the media after the vote, Wes(t) Hamryka, who owns a 70-acre horse farm directly across Duck Thurmond Road from the proposed motorsports park, vowed to continue the fight. “It’s what we expected at this stage,” he said when asked about the council’s vote to approve rezoning. “We are prepared to take this to the next legal step.”
When asked by an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter why he would be willing to spend possibly a hundred thousand dollars to fight the city, Hamryka replied, “The Council only voted to change zoning on one property but the precedent is set for the next developer who comes in.” The City, he said, basically threw out the land use plan approved last year. He is prepared to sue the City of Dawsonville for improper spot zoning and willing to take the City through protracted legal battle.
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