In a recent Moore County government meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to a proposed luxury motorsports racetrack, emphasizing concerns over its impact on the rural character of the area. The meeting commenced with a prayer, setting a tone of unity and purpose among the commissioners and attendees.
Dorothy Shutt, a resident from Star, North Carolina, highlighted that the racetrack would be situated close to her home, despite being labeled as part of Robbins, which is over 12 miles away. She expressed gratitude for the commissioners' willingness to listen to community concerns and urged them to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of Moore County residents.
Her husband, Jean Shutt, raised questions regarding the zoning status of the proposed site, noting discrepancies in reports about whether the land is currently zoned industrial or designated for future industrial use. He expressed confusion over the planning board's recent meeting cancellation and the implications for community input on the racetrack proposal.
Joe Freeman, another local resident, reiterated the community's opposition, arguing that the development contradicts the county's established land use plans and ordinances aimed at protecting farmland. He stressed that Moore County has historically been a quiet, rural area and that the proposed racetrack does not align with the community's values or vision for the future.
The meeting underscored a growing tension between development interests and community preservation, as residents called for transparency and adherence to existing land use regulations. The commissioners are now faced with the challenge of balancing economic development with the desires of the constituents they serve.