Euro-style course changes lanes

August 24, 2004
The Manchester Union Leader

TAMWORTH -- The developer of a European-style performance driving course is withdrawing his application for a special use permit from the Tamworth Planning Board, which was scheduled to hear the plan tomorrow.

"Based on some new information and further research, we believe we have made an application to the planning board that exceeds our permitting needs, and we are withdrawing it," said Stephan Condodemetraky, president of Club Motorsports Inc. "We are currently reviewing our options and determining if and or when we need to return to the planning board."

The Valley Motorsports Park is a $28 million development located in wooded land on the north face of Mount Whittier off Route 25 in Tamworth, about two miles west of the intersection of Routes 25 and 16. Described as a "ribbon through the woods," the road course would be available for use by its members, much like a golf course country club.

CMI plans to develop a three-mile, 18-turn, European-style road course for drivers and motorcyclists to develop and practice their driving skills and attend performance and safety driving schools.

Condodemetraky said CMI continues to work with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on other permit requirements.

DES has already issued CMI a wetlands dredge and fill permit, determining that the course will impact less than three-quarters of an acre of wetlands and will not significantly impair wetlands, surface waters and groundwater resources.

The agency is currently reviewing the project's application for a site-specific alteration of terrain permit.

The final major permit under the Clean Waters Act is also currently under review by the Army Corps of Engineers.