Developers outline three‑level HQ Racing go‑kart plan at former Bertolini building; planning commission to lead SEQR

At the April 8 meeting, project architects presented plans to convert the former Bertolini building into HQ Racing, a multi‑tier electric go‑kart facility that would circulate a roughly 0.5‑mile track inside and outside the building, add spectator mezzanines, classrooms and limited ancillary entertainment. Joseph Thompson, the project's architect, said the venue would host driver school programs for children and adults, corporate events and potentially be part of a global SodiCart tour.

"The name of the proposed business is HQ Racing," Joseph Thompson said, describing a layout that allows the track to run indoors during cold weather and open to an outdoor loop in warmer months. He said about 95% of events would use electric karts; gas karts would be reserved for occasional professional events. Thompson and the owner said they have coordinated safety and egress review with the building and fire departments, and that decibel testing for gas karts placed measured levels in the mid‑70s; the team committed to formally submitting sound testing and safety documentation as part of the coordinated SEQR materials.

Commissioners asked about circulation to adjacent jurisdictions, waterfront path treatment and the outdoor portion's visibility from the public walkway; the applicant proposed a safety fence matching recent vertical metal pickets along the path and limited lighting for evening events. The commission voted to declare its intent to act as lead agency for SEQR circulation and will require formal submittals on sound, egress and public‑use impacts before site‑plan approval.