AMERICUS — The Sumter County Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved a rezoning request from the Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority (PDA) Thursday.

Before a full house in the Sumter County Board of Commissioners’ conference room, David Garriga, executive director of the PDA, said the request is for rezoning a 449-acre tract, owned by the PDA, and located across from South Georgia Technical College on SGTC Parkway, from RR-Rural Residential District to C-3 Commercial Recreation District.

Garriga said the tract is being seriously looked at as a “world-class motorsports complex” by a company that is still confidential. He said that Cook County (Adel) has a racing facility which hosts about 90 events each year with a $37 million-impact on the local economy. He said the tract fits the interested investor’s needs in size, range, location, access to highways and rail and the potential for growth. He said the facility would bring more jobs to the area, more small businesses and big tourism dollars.

Garriga also said the business climate has changed.

“Today’s not a manufacturing climate. There is a larger interest in commercial type businesses,” he said.

Garriga told the board that the prospective investor will not go any further unless the tract is rezoned. Once that is accomplished, according to Garriga, the engineering plans and master plans will be drawn. He pledged that the PDA would sell this property “only with strict requirements on noise, traffic, dust being address thoroughly” and anything else that might cause citizen concern.

Garriga stressed the need for more business in a community “that needs it badly.”

He stressed that not only would the project create jobs but would come with “a cash entity,” drawing “millions and millions” each year in media, and people interested in motorsports. He compared this to what occurred in North Carolina after NASCAR took root there.

“This puts it on the tax rolls. It generates sales tax, employment, events with recognition ... ” Garriga said, adding that it will also greatly benefit South Georgia Technical College because the institution already has a motorsports program.

In answer to a question from a board member about the time table, Garriga said it would be a “five- to eight-year build-out.”

Besides Garriga, seven other people spoke in favor of the rezoning request.

David Baldwin, a local businessman, urged the board to approve the rezoning request.

“This type entity means new jobs and small businesses. I would rather have 75 small businesses with 10 employees each than one with 750, because it’s better for the long-term ... ”

Wally Summers, director of economic development for South Georgia Technical College, read a statement from SGTC President Sparky Reeves, who was out of town on business.

“South Georgia Technical College is in favor of rezoning the 449 acres on South Georgia Tech Parkway from rural residential to commercial. Rezoning this property for commercial use has the potential to bring value to Americus and Sumter County through additional employment opportunities for our graduates as well as the citizens of Sumter County.

“South Georgia Tech’s mission involves pursuing workforce development as well as educational opportunities. South Georgia Tech believes in promoting economic development through partnerships with business, industry, government and local communities. Rezoning this particular property on South Georgia Tech Parkway has the potential to create a positive economic development opportunity for the citizens of Sumter County.”

James Alford Jr., who identified himself as an employee of SGTC and a motorsports participant enthusiast, also spoke in favor.

“There’s a huge misconception of what goes on at the track and the types of people who attend the races,” he said.

Alford said he has five children and he lives on Ga. Highway 49 North and expects there will be increased traffic.

“But this is the price we pay for the future of our kids,” he concluded.

Americus-Sumter County Chamber of Commerce President Angela Westra and local businessman Reggie Daniel also spoke in favor of the rezoning request.

Tracy James, who identified herself as a property owner on 49 North, reminded the board that “there is very little for teens to do in this town.” She said racing kept her out of trouble when she was young, and that since it’s now necessary to travel to Cordele, Albany or Reynolds, to find a track, “there’s a lot of racing going on in the streets of Americus.”

Sparky Reeves, arriving later, also spoke briefly.

“There is not one organization that could gain or lose more from developing  the land across from South Georgia Technical College,” he said.

Reeves compared the possibilities the mobile home industry 30 to 40 years ago and the impact that had on the community.

“This is the biggest thing for Sumter County since the mobile home industry. Representing more then 4,600 students, I know the advantages far outweigh the negatives ... This would have a positive impact.”

After this portion, those in opposition were allowed the floor.

Tommy Clifton, speaking against the request, said he represents Carr Farms, which owns and leases out two large tracts of farmland east and north of the PDA’s tract, and that his main concern and that of the farmers he represents, is access to farms and movement of farm equipment on race days.

Clifton said he’s concerned that increased traffic would “put an imposition on or shut down the farming operations there.” He said access to some of the farmland would cut through the tract in question.

“We have to continue our income to pay taxes and we must have access to the property. This board may not be the board that makes decisions about citizens’ concerns,” he said.

He also cited problems in Dougherty County with noise complaints from residents near the race track there.

“I have to be the person to throw water on this fire,” he said, “but it’s burning us right now. I would rather see this somewhere else and not crippling our farming interests. You’ve got to have the rural support of the community also. Please consider putting enough restrictions that come back to this board for access, barriers and so forth ... ”

Michael Baldwin, a local doctor, also spoke against the proposal.

“I live a short distance from this property. I grew up in racing and there’s no way you can make a race car quiet. I ask you to do everything to minimize noise, but I don’t think it’ll be good for people living around it,” he said.

Mike Horne, a local pecan grower  who owns property nearby, asked the board if he could make a “neutral statement.”

“I’m worried about access (to his pecan orchards) but excited about the development, and that’s why I’m neutral,” he said.

Bobby Walls, another area resident, added, “It’s gonna affect me, too. I’m right across from Mike (Horne’s). It’s going to be a lotta noise for me, though if it’s gonna help the community and bring jobs, I’m for it.”

After about a 45-minute hearing, the board voted unanimously to approve the rezoning request.

Board chair Steve Broadhurst said the board’s recommendation will now go before the Sumter County Board of Commissioners, which meets at 3 p.m. Tuesday, for final approval.