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| An App Called Visor |
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| March 11 |
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| After Sunrise |
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| Dog Show on Video |
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| TAX MAN!!! |
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| Work Closed |
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| Pat and Rocky |
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| Mission Accomplished |
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| 43rd and Chestnut |
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| New Deck Perhaps |
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| Old Dana Mandi Storefront. Chinese?? |
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| Dinner from Pat! |
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| Getting Movie Ready |
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| Butters at Rest |
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| May 2006 |
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| Time is Money$$$ |
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| The News Aint Always Pretty |
The Racers Group, a high-profile diversified motorsports company, has dropped plans to build a $5 million headquarters and racing facility at New Jersey Motorsports Park.They just did not end their relationship, the CEO of the Company Kevin Buckler made it sound like a messy divorce and twisted the knife:
TRG also began removing equipment Monday from leased garages here, though several months remain on the company's one-year lease agreement
"The park has obviously had some challenges and things did not develop as we had hoped for," Buckler added. "We no longer support the management of the facility or its vision for the future."He goes on further:
Buckler said his company is "red hot" and doesn't need "the distraction" posed by the park. He also was angry at how the park treated local creditors, adding, "Many of them are my friends."I saw the Wikipedia entry on Mr. Buckler. He seems like big deal in the world of Motorsports. This can not be good for the current management.
"Our brand is very strong right now and our NASCAR and Sportscar racing programs arein full swing," Buckler said. "It is regrettable but in the best interest of TRG to distance ourselves from this current situation. Our lease is not up for several months, but we are removing all of our equipment, temporary personnel and signs as of today.We wish the park the best of luck in the future."
“We wish to emphasize that none of these changes will affect our scheduled 2011 racing and so-cial events, Drivers Club Memberships, season passes, pre-event ticket sales, gift certificates, deposits or any other NJMP operation,”City Officals stressed that NJMP has paid all obligations to the city and that the city would protect itself. As Vice-Mayor Derella stated
As a city, we must reserve all rights and explore all options under state law as to what our actions will be in coming days," Derella said afterward. "We are also especially concerned about all the unsecured creditors that have provided products as well as services and have not been paid by NJMP. The city hopes that NJMP is successful in their reorganization, because we still believe that the project is the future of not just the city but the entire region."Of course we can not leave out TrackRacket and Michelle Post who responded to accusations that they are "reveling" over the financial problems of the the NJ Motorsports Track.
Here is my comment on the previous article that the DJ quoted me. It was in response to someone accusing us of reveling over this news.So I see she is concerned about the companies that did business for the track, but at the same time has an ongoing lawsuit. TrackRacket has hired an expensive Philly lawyer. I am sure this lawsuit did not help the bottom line for the track.
"Why would TrackRacket be happy that the NJMP is in effect thumbing their noses at the business community that from the beginning invested their heart, soul and hard earned money into what they believed was an entity that would turn this town around? They were hoping for success with a payout down the road as all good business people do, and now they are the ones left hanging. If the track is successful in restructuring their debt, these local businesses will receive pennies on the dollars owed to them if they receive anything at all.
Hardly the way to be a good neighbor to the business community.
I am saddened that the track owners would treat their biggest and most vocal fans this way. In my opinion, this is downright despicable."
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| How Hollywood Promotes a Show |
Image via WikipediaSince a decade ago, when the New Jersey Motorsports Park was little more than designs on paper, the promise of jobs has always been its biggest allure. Now, as the track prepares to end its second season, those jobs have led to millions of dollars pouring into the economy and more development on the way.The article talks about the economic impact of the track
Still, while the whine of high-performance engines straining in competition has meant money, it’s also led to a weekly parade of residents complaining about the noise and nuisances created by the track
In its first two seasons of operation, not even a full two years, the track paid more than $3.8 million in wages to full- and part-time employees. In 2009, the track employed more than 250 people, although only 22 are full-time employees, a statistic track officials attribute to the track’s seasonal operationThe article explains the view of TrackRacket and some nieghbors who state the noise has impacted their lives
Michelle Post, a Lawrence Township resident and ardent track opponent, has heard the jobs argument but still believes the noise and impact on the neighbors is a detriment that outweighs the full-time and seasonal jobs created.My 2 favorate lines from this article are as follows. Ms Post is quoted
“We work hard all week long. We come home on the weekends, we want to be able to enjoy our backyards,” Post said. “We want to enjoy our quality of life.”I think she is just talking about herself. Most Millville residents live all year round and have one house.
Others have gone the route of hyperbole, claiming the track operates before dawn and into the night and that the sound that breaches their homes — always with the windows closed, air conditioning and television on — makes them physically ill.I guess the writer has been many City Commission meetings where this line is said all the time. Guess he is tired like myself of the endless arguments and ranting.
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| The TrackRacket Attorney's |
As for the NJMP, they would not have been able to afford to locate here if Millville had stood firm. No jobs, and the city owned land was bringing in zero tax revenue for the schools.Critics of the NJ Motorsports also use figures to bolster their case that its using too much taxpayer money, is not doing enough for noise abaitment, and using the arrogance of the park as well. Here is a sample.
NJMP has spent $45 MILLION on capital improvements, more than half going to Cumberland County contractors. That equals jobs.
In the first two years, NJMP paid well over $1,355,000 in wages to Cumberland County residents.
NJMP did almot $3 MILLION in business with Cumberland County contractors and businesses. Almost $2 MILLION was to Millville businesses.
The taxpayers have invested $9 million into infrastructure to services out to the track. We live weekly with the noise. Taxpayers have floated a $425,000 loan to NJMP to help carry them through the offseason. We are going to forgo another $1million on land NJMP was to purchase for the ATV track. I think it is quite reasonable for the public to hear how many people pay to attend the events each weekend.I have an opinion on that one. First off racetrack folks have little or NO political savvy. Some of the opponents are just using this issue for their political advantage and do not really give a hoot about the residents. Acting like adults might lead to less of a political advantage. The racetrack has tax abatements so opponents of the tax abatements are just piling on. TrackRacket comes off as strident to folks who might disagree. They act like they ares smarter then everyone else.I am not sure why the committee meeting with the NJMSP did not include any responsible critics of the track and the noise. Did they not think there there were no responsible opponents. I will let the reader decide that. There is that stridency of TrackRacket and others that might have something to do with it. I know a blogger who would be good for that committee. I have documented the opposition Millville First and Track Racket for some time now as you might see. Commisssioner Finch nailed it when he said it is dividing the city I agree the people have a valid complaint with the noise issue..why can't people just be adult and listen to all sides? Opponents are going to keep "harping" on the noise issue. They feel if they back down, the city will just forget about it. The critics want the issue resolved before the motocross track is built and frankly they might have the NJMSP over a barrel on this one.The track folks are now losing the political fight. This is my humble opinion and I wish the City Commisson luck with this issue. I wish there were more honest brokers in this issue and that I had a solution for this. Including the public in a "committee" would be a good idea. It might cause opponents to become more constructive and be of help to move forward. Now all they have to to is to fight. Can we just move forward?
Commissioner Dale Finch, a member of the city's committee that worked with the park on concerns from the public about noise, said the commission will not introduce an ordinance for the "Field of Dreams" motocross facility, designed by Trenton businessman Clayton Keeler, at tonight's meeting. Finch said the ordinance was originally scheduled to be voted on first reading tonight, but was delayed due to a procedural matter.The Commission WILL however, vote to adopt an ordinance on second reading that will restrict the park's use of its PA system and race times. I am sure that these concessions will NOT be satisfactory for opponents of the track who want the track to just be "a good neighbor". I am not sure what defines a "good neighbor" I am sure I will be told by somebody and I look forward to reading about this. I think the 1 Million that folks talk about is a number based on when the economy was MUCH stronger then it is today. You know about the year 2004/2005 when real estate was booming into a big bubble that has now burst like Bubble Yum! Nobody can get the price they want on their real estate, not EVEN the government. I am sure the Motorsports Park has suffered under this economy just like most of us. I do hear that folks are getting the asking price for their homes near the track. Yes, I have no evidence of this right now but I have not see proof that the noise has depressed the real estate market BY ITSELF.The economy is affecting every business and non-profit trying to raise funds even here in Millville. I know one solution is not to sweeten a position to keep a person when your fundraising is lagging....
and some swear there was a tornado but that has NOT been confirmed as of now. It was a sight to see
Man that was good. We had good conversation about BP, the Millville Police agreement, and that dude who went to Pakisstan to capture Osama Bin Laden.
He failed but then again who didn't. We wondered aloud if Bin Laden is really DEAD. He needs kidney dialysis and well Pakistan and Afghanistan are not the most advanced in the health care field. Finished the nite with Sitar Bob and Carl listening to some coo groovy tunes. I will find out the name soon!! In the outside world, things are pretty much the same. Gov. Christie is calling on Public Sector workers to "share sacrifice" with the NJ budget. I KNOW next July state workers will be asked..no TOLD to share the sacrifice no matter WHO is elected Governor of the Commonwealth of Pa. I am sure my pay increase in October this year will be the LAST for several years. Well, I will keep my benefits then I can live with that. So many are unemployed around me so I ain't gonna bitch. Now if the Pa Legislature fiddles with the budget AGAIN, I at least will GET PAID!! Our Union SEIU 668 took the state to court and the court stated that state employees must be paid. So thank God for that. Oh and still more complaining about the NJ Motorsports Park. Not sure what the opponents REALLY want. This writerseems rational for asking racing to stop at 10pm. He says that racing went till Midnight. Yup, I can hear it but I hear the sound of commerce and economic help which Lord knows we need here in Millville. One last item to write about today. NJ Transit is going to eliminate one of the times for my bus the Route 408. The 6:15 out of Camden is history after today. So I either catch the 5:55 or catch the 6:53pm and if I MISS the 6:53pm due to errands or pet-sitting, then the NEXT bus is 8:13pm YIKES.
This is pretty bogus I say my fares go up 15% and I have less rides. My biggest salary increase EVER was 4% and I have worked for the state for almost 20 years! Oh F**ing well, the Middle Class squeeze. When I ask my co-worker at the Welfare Office, "What's up?", she says.."the gas bill, the water bill, electric bill!! NOW that's what's REALLY UP!!! Well, lets hope SEPTA (they increase their fares July 1st) does not have problems like the one that happened below with smokey tracks. Oh I am driving today and doing several pet jobs. Lets hope Team USA beats Ghana tomorrow afternoon!! Next week is supposed to be cooler. Lets hope so...
It still has to go back to the planning board. Could there be someone from the city or the Commission giveing info to the Millville First?? Could be... There is also the outrageous lawsuit by the TrackRacket which which will enrich the lawyers and cost us Millville taxpayers even MORE $$$$$$$$$$$$$ !!!
May 18th and that means there is only a week before Memorial Day. I was buzy at work writing up sanctions for folks who do not cooperate with Welfare to Work guidelines. I have names placed in the book that you see me holding up. It was a fine cool day for Mid-May. Tonite was Dottie's walk. Dale Finch did show up today along with the few of us. We showed some properties that are a mess and Dottie saw a lot of neighbors she knows. Tomorrow the swearing in of the newly elected Millville City Commission will be held at Noon today. Since I do have to be at work, I will have to miss this one. There will be no evening meeting so I get to be home.
