Democrat File Photo The Monticello Motor Club has gained approval on August 14 from the Town of Thompson Planning Board to carry out its expansion plans.

Club details expansion plans

Story by Eli Ruiz
MONTICELLO — August 27, 2013 — On August 14 the Town of Thompson Planning Board gave its permission to the Monticello Motor club’s (MMC) three-phase expansion plans.
Phase I features the creation of an off-road course south of Cantrell Rd. “intended primarily for demonstrating the off-road capabilities of street vehicles,” according to MMC’s agreement with Thompson.
Also as part of the first phase is the widening and extension of existing trails on the property. With a recently announced partnership with the Jaguar/Land Rover Group, the proposed track will initially be used primarily for those vehicles’ off-road demonstration.
Also proposed for the south side of Cantrell Rd. is a corporate office with an adjacent asphalt lot which will accommodate no more than 12 vehicles, including two handicapped parking spots. Another “turf grass surface” lot is proposed for an area south of Cantrell, as is a security fence.
North of Cantrell Road Phase I will entail a brand new pit area and adjacent paddock location. The addition of the new pit area is central to MMC’s approved plans to host up to four professional racing events each year.
A 10-foot security fence will also go up on Cantrell Rd.’s north side. MMC proposes replacing the existing fence with an opaque wall. The wall, according to MMC’s agreement, “will provide no meaningful noise mitigation.”
Phase II of the expansion will entail the long-term provision of water and sewer utilities to the track, the construction of a new “support building” at the new paddock complete with office space, meeting rooms and restroom facilities.
Phase II also calls for a 5,000-square-foot medical center/clubhouse located “centrally within the track area.” According to MMC, the construction of the additional clubhouse will allow the track to be operated as two “fully independent loops” with driver support and services provided at both the north and south road courses.
The final proposal for Phase II entails the construction of 10 additional “autominiums” (a play on the word condominium) containing a total of 60 one-bedroom residential units over garages. This portion will also include a swimming pool and cabana building.
The agreement states regarding the on-site accommodations: “[The autominiums] will reduce traffic, promote patronage of local restaurants and businesses and increase the collection of Sullivan County sales and occupancy (room) taxes.”
Phase III of the buildout contains only one proposed feature: The construction of an overpass over Cantrell Road. The overpass will connect the northern and southern portions of the site, “so that site traffic will not have to utilize public roadways.”
A 34-home development also passed board muster Wednesday. The gated community will include a clubhouse and will be situated right next door to MMC.
Asked if the homes are meant for MMC members, an MMC employee who asked that his name not be used, said last Wednesday, “Absolutely. Some homes our members can buy, pay some taxes and help the community.”
In answer to the same question, Town of Thompson Cellini offered, “Sure. These folks want to be able to enjoy the peace, tranquility and natural beauty this area has to offer… they also want to hear those engines purr.”