Race City gets green light to stay from Calgary City Council

[Tachyon]

Race City gets green light to stay from Calgary City Council




Calgary HeraldSeptember 28, 2009 3:19 PM





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Brett McCormick takes the inside lane to pass Jordan Szoke on the last lap of the race to in win the finals of the Parts Canada Superbike Championship. on Sunday June 28th 2009 at Race City Motorsport park in Calgary.
Photograph by: Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald
CALGARY - Race City Speedway has a new lease on life following an 8-7 Calgary City Council vote Monday to allow for a renewed lease for its southeast site.

Ald. Ric McIver gained the support he needed on his second try to pass a notice of motion requesting that Race City's lease be renewed for another five years and that access to the track be protected when the nearby Shepard Landfill is redesigned.

Opponents of the measure argued that its cost, more than $3 million, amounts to a direct subsidy of a private business,

"I don't think the taxpayers should be asked to come up with 3 million dollars to keep Race City in its current location," said Ald. Brian Pincott.

In arguing for the measure, McIver said forcing the racetrack to close to accomodate development of the landfill would cause a surge of illegal street racing

"This is an average of $600,ooo a year. There is already a problem with street racing in the city. How much more will the police spend chasing that down?", said McIver.

A previous attempt by McIver in January to extend the lease until 2015 failed.

The city has leased 64 hectares in the southeast to the speedway since 1985, but that agreement expires next year. The city says it needs the land for storm water retention.

The owner of the speedway, which hosts everything from kart to motorcycle races, maintains he's done the work to have the lease extended to 2015.

? Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald

[Icedawg]

Yippee !!!

[streetywise guy]

"Ald. Ric McIver gained the support he needed on his second try to pass a notice of motion requesting that Race City's lease be renewed for another five years and that access to the track be protected when the nearby Shepard Landfill is redesigned.

Opponents of the measure argued that its cost, more than $3 million, amounts to a direct subsidy of a private business"

How exactly does it cost 3 mill just to not dump garbage on our driveway? 

Good news, except I won't be the IT2 champion in perpetuity.  I think I can live with the disappointment, though.

:<)

[Quickmag]

More like a yellow light.  The city council just agreed to renegotiate the lease.  Knowing how much our Mayor loves motorsport, can you say a yearly lease cost that RC CANNOT afford.  Art still has a few hurdles in front of him.

Bri.

[Tachyon]

Most of us are aware of this, however, each hurdle is an accomplishment.  City council was a monumental hurdle that was either yes or no.   The next huge hurdle is a balance of subjectivity and objectivity - negotiations are tough but most often are workable

[Al36rx7]

Just as a reminder to those that may vote at the municipal elections.  This might be time to remember the council/alderman that voted against Race City.

I know Druh Farrell will not be receiving my vote....

[Shawn]

Good point ....  there is a discussion going on at the CSCC forum as we try to figure out 'who' to vote for in each of the wards.  Check it out and pass on any info you get access to.


http://cscc.speedracer.ca/forums/index.php/topic,10182.0.html 

Shawn