An Open Letter To The Friends of Riverside Motorsports Park
From: John F.S. Condren, Chairman & CEO
$180 Million in Business Revenue to Merced County
1,200 Jobs and 75-100 New Business Openings
Increased Tourism / International Media Coverage
Structured Recreation Programs for Young Adults
Year-round Recreation & Wholesome Family Entertainment
Support for Castle Airport’s Redevelopment & UC Merced
This list of benefits is what Riverside Motorsports Park wants to bring to Merced County and the Central Valley. All of that… plus, and lots of world-class motorsports competition, including NASCAR, Champ Car, NHRA, World of Outlaws, MotoGP, Indy Racing League, AMA Superbike, American LeMans Series, International Karting, USAC Silver Crown Series, Grand-Am, CORR off-road racing and more.
For more than 5 years, Riverside Motorsports Park’s management team has been completing the design, engineering and the required Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to bring a world-class, multi-use motorsports facility toin the center of California. As we have progressed, we have received the support of over 50 sanctioning bodiesworld-class organizations that have committed to hold events at Riverside Motorsports Park.
You’re receiving this letter because, at some time, you added your name to our mailing list to stay up-to-date on the project’s progress… However, if the Riverside Motorsports Park project is new to you, I’d invite you to visit our Web site (www.RMPracing.com). The website Web site outlines most of the project’s developments and progress, and also gives an overview of the eight (
race tracks that will be included in one centrally located facility.
So where is the project now, what is the current status of the project?
The engineering and architectural designs for the facility are complete, and the leading contractors of the construction team have been secured. The most recent news is that on 7 July, 2005, after 2-1/2 years and over $1.5 million invested, the 3,200 page administrative draft of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was delivered to the Merced County Planning Department. Just last week, the County released the document for the required 45-day Public Review period.
The EIR is available to anyone wishing a copy from the Merced County Planning Department.
What this means and why we need your help…
California law requires that the public be informed about and allowed to comment on any EIR prior to hearings leading to project approval. In our case, there are two voting bodies that will approve the project: (1) The Merced County Planning Commission and (2) the Merced County Board of Supervisors.
In addition to comments generated from State and local agencies, the 45-day review period is used by the Merced County Planning Commission and Merced County Board of Supervisors as a key indicator of public opinion. Typically, the side that receives the larger number of letters and e-mails – in opposition to or in support of the project – also receives significant political weight in the approval process. Public opinion counts!
It’s not difficult to understand that Riverside Motorsports Park has encountered some opposition to its project. There are those who are against motorsports, motorcycles and car clubs, in general. There are those who oppose any kind of change, growth or development. And, there are those who prefer that the low-grade ag-land we have purchased adjacent to Castle Airport and the Atwater Federal Penitentiary remain as ag-land. (NOTE - There is no Prime Farmland on the Riverside Motorsports Park site. 84% of the land maintains a grade-3, “Unique” farmland classification with a Storie Index of 25 points out of a possible 100, one class higher than grazing land.)
It also is clear that the opposition will call-to-bear every sympathetic organization it can enlist to write letters opposing Riverside Motorsports Park.
What we need…
Well, quite simply… we need to have more letters in favor of the project sent to the Merced County Planning Commission and the Merced County Board of Supervisors than those in opposition.
We’re hoping that we can count on you to send in a supportive letter or e-mail to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors, and also ask your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to do the same.
How to help… it’s a 2-step process:
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Write a letter to each of the 2 Merced County officials, clearly stating your support for Riverside Motorsports Park:
Merced County Board of Supervisors
[b]Mr. Jerry O’Banion, Chairman
Merced County Board of Supervisors
2222 M Street – Third Floor
Merced, CA 95340
email: dist5@co. merced.ca.us[/b]
Fax: (209) 726-7977
And…
Merced County Planning Commission
Mr. Steve Sloan, Chairman
Merced County Planning Commission
2222 M Street – Second Floor
Merced, CA 95340
email: klewallen@co. merced.ca.us
Fax: (209) 726-1710
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Pass the word along… tell your friends and those you know who would support Riverside Motorsports Park.
If you have any questions, or if our staff can be of any assistance, please contact our offices at 209.383.7671, or e-mail us at info@RMPracing.com. Thanks for your help and assistance in making Riverside Motorsports Park a reality!
Meanwhile, I’ll see you at the races…