Jeff Macey (right), former general manager of the now-shuttered Altamont Motorsports Park, received from the City Council a third extension to assemble his proposal. Press file photo
The City Council last week gave the park’s planner a third time extension to submit a proposal.
In 2008, the city agreed to consider leasing to Jeff Macey about 300 acres west of Tracy Boulevard and north of Interstate 205, near the old Holly Sugar Co. plant.
Macey, a NASCAR promoter, was general manager and president at Altamont Motorsports Park before it closed last year, when its Alameda County use permits expired.
He has until July 1 to finish his new plan. The council and city departments would have to OK his plans before conducting an environmental impact report. The city would study the potential changes any new construction might cause to air quality, traffic and safety.
Macey said he should have complete plans in two months for what he calls the “Tracy Blast” complex.
“We’re hoping to do enough to have an impact on the community as far as creating jobs and money traveling through town,” he said.
He said that after talking to “thousands and thousands” of residents about what they want in town, he aims to build a community center with a small lake, a jogging track and amphitheater, as well as an oval track for racecars, tracks for motorcycles and possibly a drag racing course.
He said he also wants to build a small amusement park.
Macey admitted it’s a “big undertaking,” and even if the city approved his Tracy Blast, builders wouldn’t break ground for at least a year and a half.
“The stars have to align, and everybody has to be on the same page,” he said.
Macey said the park could cost between $60 million and $300 million but declined to say where he’d get that money.
He stressed that the racetracks and park would be for the community, not a place for international events.
“We’re not building a Daytona Speedway,” he said. “This is something people in town can use.”
In March, the city will consider an environmental review for the Holly Sugar Sports Fields it wants to build in the same area.
That complex, on about 150 acres, would include soccer, baseball and football fields and trails.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sir9e4apMvk
Yep, sure hope THOSE TWO won't be tryin to shoot this one down too.
SO I'M SURE THE CONNELLY'S WILL START A LAWSUIT AND SHOOT IT DOWN.
The proposed location is north and east of the WestValley mall.
It can't get more central than this.
Great idea!
Bigman, there is a group who sued the motorcycle park.
If you want to know why all the opposition to parks. Check out an article in the Tracy Press called - Not Another Lawsuit.
Just hope the special interest obstructs won't take that potential recreational activity away.
Just prefer to see the raceway at the Tracy Airport where noise would be more centralized. However, if the alternative location will help bring more revenue, then that could be a good reason?
Hoping that the Holly Sports Park/Wetlands are still in the works????
Any update on that?
Thanks.
CN
I would also love to see a DirtTrack/Motocross Park to open in tracy Finally something good sounds like it might come our way I just hope to see it in my lifetime.
Concern. I just read the article NOT ANOTHER LAWSUIT.
Hope this will not be the groups fourth park to fall victim to their frivolous lawsuits.