The noise at the Monticello Motor Club (MMC) has increased immensely since the expansion was approved. Our appointed [Town of Thompson] planning board members gave the MMC permission with no restrictions and added more time to racing. This was done without any consideration of the people that live here. The sound study done by the MMC was completely self serving.

I would like to ask each member of the planning board why they feel that the many people who spoke out at the public hearing deserve to have their homes invaded and quality of life destroyed?

Is the Town of Thompson so desperate for equivalent jobs? I just read an article concerning assessment of real estate taxes on recent developments. The MMC claims to have invested $41 million so far and is adding another $45 million for their expansion. Why should they receive over a $3 million dollar exemption over several years on real estate taxes? Why don’t they pay their full taxes like the rest of us?

[Town of Thompson Supervisor] Cellini denied the town gave the club a free pass. What else would you call it with no restrictions? Mr. Cellini said, “There was a lot of give and take. The way I see it there was no give, just all take.” Mr. [Ari] Straus [MMC president and one of the owners] states “the vast majority came out in favor of our expansion.” Was there a vote? Many people spoke, not opposing the expansion, but asking for control of the noise.

I resent Mr. Straus saying the planning board imposed difficult and significant conditions seemingly to appease a relatively small group of opponents. His “not-so-small” group of opponents have a right to live.

The election is near. Please get out and vote. We need change.

Ann A Culligan

Member, Concerned Citizens of the Town of Thompson

Monticello, NY