November 2011 Update

A lot of people may wonder why the “No Aylett Motocross” signs are still up?  Why is this website still active?  Didn’t KW Morrison loose their case in regards to access, and isn’t their motocross proposal dead?

True, KW Morrison LLC did not prevail in their appeal to the King William BZA, nor did they appeal this ruling to the Circuit Court within the deadline.  This decision rendered their Conditional Use Permit application null and void.  But KW Morrison still owns the parcel of land in question, and has repeatedly stated their desire to build a motocross track in that location.

Since their initial public relation event triggered such vehement disapproval from the citizens, KW Morrison has not been forthcoming with their plans.  They have continued to cultivate close relationships with elected officials and staff of King William county, and regularly attend BOS meetings (as is their right).  They continue to maintain the website for Governor’s Run Sports Park.  To date, KW Morrison has not publicly stated that they will NOT build a motocross track in Aylett.

Therefore, we remain vigilant for any legislative maneuvers the current Board of Supervisors may try to enact that would allow KW Morrison to circumvent the current restrictions on a motocross track in land zoned Agricultural – Conservation.  However, the 2011 election provided us with very good news.  The three candidates (Greenwood, Moskalski, and Stone) who were elected to the new Board all stated publicly that they were opposed to motocross in the proposed location.  In addition, one of the two incumbents who was re-elected to the Board, Mr. Redd, stated that he is opposed to motocross as well.

KW Morrison proposes motocross raceway in Aylett.

In September, 2006 the King William County Board of Supervisors approved a change in a zoning ordinance to allow motocross tracks as long as the owners obtain an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  In August, 2007 three developers from Hanover submitted an application for a CUP to build a motocross raceway (Governor’s Run Sports Park) in Aylett.  In January the developers (KW Morrison LLC) hosted a community meeting, where they presented their plans for four tracks, parking for 700 cars and 200 RVs, and several buildings.  Their plans were met with intense opposition from those who attended that meeting.  Opponents from throughout the County formed a nonprofit organization, the Citizens for King William County, to fight the raceway’s development and to promote the common good.

Reasons to oppose the motocross raceway.

• It is a bad location.  The proposed raceway is abutted by two farms and numerous houses tucked into the woods. Access to the raceway would be via a 4,500 foot long easement through private property.
• The County will likely gain limited additional direct tax revenue from the proposed raceway and will likely lose significant income due to lowered property values.
• Traffic flow would be increased throughout the area, especially the heavily traveled Route 30.  A track entrance would add to the hazard of cars, trailers and RVs entering and exiting King William’s major east/west corridor.
• Noise negatively impacts quality of life.  It can result in high stress levels and poor concentration, communication, and sleep.  In the area immediately surrounding the proposed motocross site, the normal sound level is less than 50 dB.  Five motocross bikes would generate over 115 dB for these neighbors and 60 dB for those 5 miles away.
• There are numerous environmental concerns associated with the proposed raceway, including dust; leakage of gasoline, oil, and other contaminants into the soil, ground water, and wetlands; erosion; threatened and endangered species; and excessive spill light.
• A motocross raceway will further strain our volunteer emergency fire and rescue services.
• The preservation of local historical resources can be and should be a powerful tool for economic development, tourism, education, and community vitality.  If the proposed motocross raceway is built, it will change the surroundings of our historic treasures from peaceful tranquility to a loud, congested, commercial setting.