Proposed race track will benefit Minonk

I have seen the figures associated with the proposed racetrack development and they are impressive. According to figures provided by the developer, Randy Hellyer, this $13 million development could increase property tax revenues by $150,000 a year, create 164 construction jobs, 295 seasonal jobs, and 7 full-time jobs. In addition, it is estimated that the economic impact could result in $15.9 million in yearly operation impacts. The school district will benefit from increased property tax revenue and the city will benefit from increased sales tax revenue.

There is no telling how much additional revenue will be forthcoming from new businesses and other developments that would be created due to the racetrack development. You can pretty well bet that additional motels, restaurants, and gas stations will be built. An additional benefit is that there will no longer be the possibility of a landfill being built in Section Six. However, I think the biggest benefit of all is that Minonk will be sending a message to other potential developers that Minonk is now a prime development target. We will be considered developer friendly with plenty of additional land available for development.

Quite honestly, this appears to be the biggest thing that could happen to Minonk since the development of the coal mines 140 years ago. Before I get too giddy, however, it must be mentioned that there are also downsides to this development. The obvious downside is the noise that could emanate from the racetrack. I am certain that measures will be taken to reduce the noise level with berms, trees, etc. In addition, the noise will only occur during the racing season which usually runs from April to October and usually only on weekends. These are the things that will surely be discussed between the city council and the developer.

The city will have to address its ability to provide security and traffic enforcement during the races. Minonk will not be able to handle the security required with its present staff. I have been told that the developer will supplement security with his own security.

It is my understanding that the Alpha Community Bank made contact with the developer of the racetrack after a similar proposal at Brimfield was rejected by the Peoria County Board last year due to pressure from the developer of a housing development next to the proposed site. From that initial contact negotiations continued to the point where Minonk was finally selected as the final site.

We have to realize that almost all business negotiations take place in private. No developer wants to air his negotiations publicly in the initial stages. If a business transaction involves the city, there will be a time for the city council and the citizens to address their concerns. Until then, privacy is expected.

This concern over the Alpha Community Bank's involvement stems back to the landfill issue Minonk faced 12 years ago when citizens united to block the development of a landfill on the land now being proposed as the site for racetrack. The bank was the farm manager for the land and was perceived as being supportive of the landfill. However, in the final analysis the landfill was rejected because of pubic opposition. The same thing could happen with the race track. I hope this is not the case because I feel the race track is a positive for the community whereas the proposed landfill definitely was not.

In a small community, development is most often initiated by local financial institutions. This is to be expected. It behooves the banks to attract developments that will benefit the community and will preserve its quality of life. In this case, I feel the Alpha Community Bank attracted a business that will be positive for the community and I commend them on their efforts.

It is time to forget the past and work together as a community and accept the realities of how things really work. The city, the citizens, and the banks must all realize the role each plays in the community and respect each other's role. Egos and personal agendas must be tossed aside for the betterment of our community. If we can do that, Minonk has a very exciting future. If not, some other community will benefit instead.