Certainly sounds like you were right:
ragingbull.altavista.com
and
ragingbull.altavista.com
Good Evening Sports Fans: Below is part 1 of 2. The first is the Richmond News account of the Richmond Planing Council's dealing with the Racetrack. The second part comes in the next msg. It is Richmond News account of what happened at the Richmond Council review - Sungold's application. Please note para's 8,9,and 10. The Planning commission thinks its a great idea and notes that if on Industrial Land it would proably go. Also they did not reject the supporting infrastucture ie proposed roads, sewer, water etc.
Racetrack proposal gets thumbs-down from committee
By Robert Smith (editor@richmond-news.com)
The city’s planning committee voted 5-0 Tuesday to recommend council deny endorsing Sungold Entertainment Corporation’s application to build a horse racetrack on farmland.
Many farmers and councillors oppose using farmland for a major racetrack. However, according to Sungold president Kim Hart, there are many who would love to see a world-class facility in Richmond. Sungold claims it has received more than 500 letters of support.
"We are only asking council to let us go through with our application to
the Agricultural Land Commission," said Hart.
"It really disturbs me that the planning committee is influenced by the voice of a small group of cranberry growers."
Hart is referring to the cranberry growers that live adjacent to the proposed site.
"It seems like there’s some special-interest groups that have council wrapped around their fingers," he said.
"I take offence to that," said Coun. Ken Johnston. "I’m disappointed, I don’t wrap around anyone’s finger.
"To be honest, I feel it’s a fabulous economic opportunity for Richmond. Unbelievable economic magnet. It would provide great jobs for young people, great for the horse industry, and an absolute winner for all the restaurants and hotels."
The problem, he said, is that it’s on agricultural land, and city council has made it its mandate to protect farmland in the community.
"If the track was on industrial land it would probably be a go. I just don’t think we can set a precedent to open up viable farmland to paved parking lots."
Johnston added that council is committed to saving Richmond’s agricultural land, which makes up 46 per cent of the land base, for farming.
"The planning committee doesn’t recognize that thoroughbred horse activities are viable agricultural businesses," said Hart. "Forty racetracks in Canada are covered by the agricultural land reserve, all governed by Revenue Canada."
Hart would not speculate on what he will do if council votes against the application at its Sept. 25 meeting.
Cont'd Part 2: the only problem the Council admits is the use of Agriculture land for purposes other than Agriculture. This was their basis for DENIAL. Mr. Hart is exercising the Option in Section 34 of the Land Reserve Commission(LRC) - go directly to the LRC for a special case exemption. Note that Coun. Malcolm Brodie is on record stating that " if Sungold is successful in getting a dispensation from the LRC, then Council will have to review the application again". Note the only reason for rejection by both the City's Planning Committee and the Richmond Council is the use of Agriculture land for the Racetrack. If the LRC gives the Green light, how can the Planning and Council reject??????
SGGNF 1
FROM RICHMOND NEWS 28 SEPT 2000
Horsetrack proposal isn’t done
Despite being denied by city council, Sungold will approach Land Reserve Commission
By Michelle Hopkins (editor@richmond-news.com)
It appears a fifth-generation farmer’s passionate plea Monday urging council to deny an application for a racetrack in east Richmond worked.
Todd May does not want Sungold Entertainment Corporation to build a racetrack in Richmond because he says the racetrack would negatively impact on the farming community.
"I’m opposed to the track, and I speak for my family and friends who are all opposed to this," he told council. "I want my children to continue the legacy of our family farm.
"I’m very worried about crime, vandalism, theft and the extra traffic that would result if this racetrack were to be approved."
Councillors voted 7-1 to deny Sungold’s application to the Land Reserve Commission.
Coun. Kiichi Kumagai was the only one who voted for the proposal.
"I want the LRC to make the distinction on whether a horse racetrack is an agricultural use or not, and give us a ruling," says Kumagai. "That way, if they say no we can forget about the application.
"I wasn’t arguing for or against the developer, I simply want the LRC to deal with it."
Sungold president Kim Hart says he doesn’t understand how city council doesn’t see this as a farming venture.
"Revenue Canada describes all our workers as agricultural workers," says Hart. "In fact, Agriculture Canada supervises all wagering at the racetrack and the money goes back into the agricultural matrix.
"I’m going to use my option to apply for a special case exemption in section 34 of the Land Reserve Commission," Hart says.
"Our application is perfect because this track will be the most important in all of B.C.
"I challenge council to take this to the people. If they really believe they are right, they should take this to a referendum."
Coun. Malcolm Brodie says that if Sungold is successful in getting a dispensation from the LRC, then council will have to review the application again.
"It will be our duty. We have to stay open to what the LRC comes back with," says Brodie.
Sungold did get support from the business community.
Self-employed realtor Marlene Hart spoke on behalf of the business sector, and had letters of support from such restaurants as: the Cactus Club Cafe, Milestones, Felicos Restaurant, Fogg ‘N’ Suds, La Pergola, JP Malone’s, and Legends Pub, to name just of few.
"Many restaurants in Richmond have been having a hard time filling their restaurants. The restaurant owners support this racetrack," she says.
"This track would provide new jobs and continued employment for Richmond residents."
Sungold’s application is to build a racetrack on 227 acres of agricultural land on No. 8 Road. This is the second time Sungold’s application has been rejected — the first time was in 1998.
The proposed racetrack would include a 15,000 capacity grandstand, restaurant, 5,500 parking spaces, conference centre, a farmers’ market, boarding stables, administration offices, and many other buildings. |
