Throttle Therapy, a Maryland-based company, has set its sights on Powhatan, Virginia, with a proposal to develop a sprawling 700-acre motor sports park. However, the project has encountered a significant obstacle as the Powhatan County Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend its denial. The decision now rests with the Powhatan County Board of Supervisors, which will make the final call during its August meeting.
The proposed park, located southwest of Rocky Ford Road, aims to provide a recreational space for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. The site would feature a 50-acre ATV and side-by-side riding area, 100 acres of extension trails, a 10-acre motocross and dirt bike area, and a 6-acre beginners and kids riding area. Additionally, the park would include an office, parking, and staging areas.
Community Divided Over Proposed Motor Sports Park
The proposal has sparked a heated debate within the Powhatan community. Opponents of the project have raised concerns about safety, noise, and environmental impacts. One resident expressed worries about the constant sound of engines and increased activity, stating, “My home is quite near the proposed property, and we would be among those most affected. That is not the environment that we purchased our home for.”
Environmental concerns were also highlighted, with one resident pointing out that the site lies within the upper Appomattox River corridor, directly across from the Amelia wildlife management area. “While a physical trail may take up a little space itself, environmental disturbance involves broader surrounding areas in the natural landscape,” the resident noted.
On the other hand, supporters of the proposal argue that the park would create more recreational opportunities for children and families. One Powhatan mom shared her perspective, saying, “There’s something powerful about falling down, getting back up and learning that you are capable of more than you thought. As a parent today, one of the hardest things is finding something that can compete with the pool of screens.”
Throttle Therapy’s Response and Future Plans
Throttle Therapy’s Scott McAdoo addressed the planning commission, emphasizing that the motor sports park is subject to the county’s noise ordinance and that the company has been working collaboratively with county staff to address concerns. “This is A-10 land, where a motor sports park is permitted use with a conditional-use permit,” McAdoo stated. “Our use is one the zoning ordinance already accounts for and provides a path to approve.”
In an interview with BizSense, McAdoo reiterated Throttle Therapy’s commitment to the project, stating that the company has no plans to pull its application following the planning commission’s denial recommendation. “The outcome wasn’t what we were hoping for with the planning commission, but The ultimate vote happens on Monday the 24th,” he said.
McAdoo also highlighted the potential for public access to the Appomattox River, suggesting that Throttle Therapy may pursue a required 350-foot buffer zone to provide a walking path. “After hearing a Powhatan citizen ask at Tuesday’s meeting for a required 350-foot buffer zone to be used for a walking path, Throttle Therapy may look to pursue that to provide some public access to the Appomattox River, which the property abuts,” he noted.
Planning Commissioners’ Concerns
During the board discussion, planning commissioners expressed various concerns about the project. Commissioner Kenneth Hatcher pointed out that the soil on the site is “highly erodible,” while Commissioner Bobby Hall raised concerns about traffic to the site. Commissioner Jessica Winall expressed uncertainties about access to the site, stating, “Like many people have said, all of the increased vehicle (traffic), the potential of turn lanes, the unknown of many different things in terms of access, … I think there’s just way too many variables in this CUP tonight that leave unknown questions for what’s going to happen.”
The two parcels proposed for the motor sports park are owned by Rocky Ford LLC, with several entities listed as part-owners of the land. If the project is approved, Throttle Therapy plans to lease the land for 15 years.
As the Powhatan community awaits the final decision from the Board of Supervisors, the debate over the proposed motor sports park continues to highlight the tensions between economic development and environmental conservation.
