SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen agreed Monday night to keep motocross, economic development, and the community preservation act on its weekly agenda until some questions are answered and issues resolved.
Before moving forward on issuing permits for the new operators of Motocross 338, the board wants to have a legal opinion on whether or not it is a pre-existing use and it wants to hear from the public.
“Let’s get that answer, then get everyone together in public – it would be an opportunity for them to make a presentation,” said Chairman Russell Fox.
Mike Grondahl is leading the group of new owners and funding the operation. Gary Yelin, Travis Loucks and Peyton Stevenson are also interested parties.
A tentative public forum was set for March 20 pending the response of town counsel.
Selectman Joseph Deedy said he believes Grondahl understands that Motocross 338 may not be up and running until after the fall town meeting.
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan noted that there are scheduled races this year, such as the two-day Rugged Maniac event.
“The Rugged Maniac benefits the town – I would hate to see that go,” she said.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said because there are events already scheduled, Grondahl would need to apply for one-day permits to run those races. Grondahl would also need to seek one day licenses to sell alcohol beyond what property owners The American Legion are allowed.
“We’re not coming from an adversarial position, we just want to make sure we all get together on this,” said Fox.
The Community Preservation Act remains on the agenda until a working session takes place.
Economic development is another item that will continue to be on the agenda while the board works with the Economic Development Commission and local business and landowners.
“We need to start reaching out to land owners with large tracks of property who have hinted at development in the past and see where we can go with that,” said Fox.
Fox said he would like to contact those property owners whose land could be developed for commercial use and assist them in getting the land developed.
“Obviously, like most municipalities, our tax rate has increased and our need for services has increased. We have to reach out to see if there is something we can do,” said Fox.
