TAMWORTH, N.H. (AP) – Voters have rejected an emergency zoning ordinance that could have added a roadblock to the plan to build a mountainside motorsports country club.
Voters rejected the emergency ordinance 553-423 at a special town meeting on Saturday, and the developers who want to build the $14 million complex say they look forward to moving ahead.
If it had been approved, the town would have required Club Motorsports to get a special zoning exception to build its racetrack and club complex. Tamworth has no zoning, and track opponents, including a group called Citizens for the Ossipees, were backing a town-wide residential and agricultural zone. They have complained the track would hurt the environment and bring too much noise and traffic to town.
Another group called Citizens for Tamworth opposed the zoning change.
The change may not have stopped the project, but it would have added another required layer of town approval.
“We look forward to moving ahead now with securing the permitting which is necessary to develop the project,” said Club Motorsports spokesman Scott Tranchemontagne. “The people of Tamworth have spoken loud and clear in support of the project, and we appreciate that support.”
The club already has bought 250 acres for its track and a complex that would include a swimming pool, spa, tennis courts, a 150,000-square-foot clubhouse with room for functions such as weddings, and an elegant restaurant and lounge.
If things go according to plan, the track would be finished late next summer and the pool, courts and clubhouse would open the following year.
AP-ES-10-05-03 1403EDT
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