County OKs motocross subdivision

The Lincoln County Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a subdivision earmarking a portion of the former Stimson mill site for use as a motocross facility.

The subdivision marks the first breaking up of the 400-acre site since it was donated by Stimson to the Lincoln County Port Authority at the end of 2003. Following preliminary approval by the county, subdivisions move on to state agencies for final approval.

A local group plans to buy the 5.4-acre parcel to use as a motocross track for practice and special events. The group previously had a one-year special use permit that allowed it to build a track and hold an event in September 2004. The event drew 100 riders and 1,300 spectators. After reviewing liability concerns, the port authority board decided not to renew the permit but to look instead at options to lease or sell the property to the motocross group.

Last September, the port authority transferred ownership of the site to a newly formed industrial district governed by a subset of the port authority's board. The primary reason for the change, according to board members, was to allow for more discretion in the sale of portions of the property. Under state law, a port authority cannot dispose of property without a public auction, while an industrial district can sell property to a selected buyer without going to auction.

An industrial district is intended to redevelop and rehabilitate blighted areas. Board members plan to use funds from the sale of property to foster economic development at the site.