Amelia residents urge action over proposed Powhatan motorsports park, citing noise and environmental harm

At the June Amelia County Board of Supervisors meeting, residents from neighborhoods along the Appomattox River urged vigilance after a proposed Throttle Therapy Motorsports Park in neighboring Powhatan drew community opposition.

"As a source of revenue for the county, I think all citizens should be paying attention to the relationship Waste Management has with Amelia County," said Lisonbee Cruz, who asked the landfill advisory committee and county staff to ensure new members visit the landfill as they take seats. Neighbor Eric Burr, who identified himself as living "about 70 foot off the river," opposed the motorsports park across the river and said he recorded a decibel test on June 20 to show likely noise impacts. "I urge all citizens of Mid County to consider these concerns carefully and to advocate where appropriate for protecting the quiet character and natural resources of our region," Burr said.

Theresa Kelly, who lives across the river in Powhatan, told the board the project application initially allowed about 200 riders on event weekends and later proposed full seven-day operation with two special events of up to 500 riders. She encouraged Amelia residents to attend the Powhatan planning commission hearing on July 7 and the Powhatan board meeting on July 27 and said petition signatures are being collected to oppose the application.

Board members repeatedly noted that Amelia has no jurisdiction over Powhatan land-use decisions. Chair said the county has "no sway one way or the other," but several supervisors acknowledged the regional impacts and encouraged neighbors to engage with Powhatan's process. The board did not take any formal action on the matter at the meeting.