Annexation of motorsports complex delayed in Wilmington
By Mary Baskerville Correspondent November 8, 2012 4:38PM
Updated: December 13, 2012 10:18AM
A proposal to annex Joliet Motorsports failed to reach the Wilmington City Council on Wednesday night.
The annexation was pulled from the agenda on Tuesday.
Under discussion is the annexation of 27.9 acres on Blodgett Road. Owner Justin Martino is seeking annexation of the sports facility with general commercial zoning with conditional uses for a stadium and arenas, and convention, civic and exhibition center.
The property has been owned by Martino for 12 years and hosts biking motocross track events at 27950 Kelly Road.
During a public hearing on the proposal in October, comments in opposition to the annexation centered on issues of dust, noise and pollution as well as land use and zoning issues.
Supporters of the annexation pointed to positive relationships developed by sportsmanship.
Concerns also were raised about possible plans for expansion or an indoor track. City Administrator Tony Graff said there are no plans for an indoor track.
Joan Rittof, secretary of the Phelan Acres Condominium Association, said during the public hearing that the 147 homeowners only .7 miles from the racetrack have serious concerns about land use issues, zoning and the continuity required for annexation.
One resident suggested a safety study to look at whether there is a need for barriers and berms to protect people if bikes leave the track, while another suggested the events bring tax dollars into Wilmington.
A revised draft annexation agreement was expected to be presented Wednesday night. Graff said the annexation was pulled from the agenda as Joliet Motorsports and neighbors work to resolve some issues.
Graff said the annexation will be back on the agenda after those meetings.
