Staff report
The developer of High Rock Raceway expects to have an erosion control plan ready for the county next week.
David L. Risdon, chief executive officer of High Rock Properties, the development company, said Friday that Salisbury Engineering is completing the erosion control plan for the nearly 200 acres.
Risdon said once the plan is approved, workers can begin clearing the site, which he estimates will take a couple of months.
“When we get the land cleared in April, we can start grading in May,” said Risdon. “We ought to be able to pave in July or August.”He noted the track will have to cure for three months before the surface can be used for racing.
Risdon said he expects work on the condominiums will start after the grading is completed, likely in May or June. He estimated it will take a year to complete all of the condos.
Risdon said the work will continue on sludge removal and steam restoration as permitted by the county and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“We are continuing sludge removal … rain has slowed it down. We haven’t been able to do the steam restoration. It’s really wet.”
Risdon said the recent episode involving tree-cutting was a misunderstanding.
“We asked for permission to Bush Hog. Our guys did that and then they started cutting trees,” said Risdon, adding, “the order (restraining order) says you can’t cut trees.”
A county codes enforcement official advised the workers to stop cutting trees, and they did.
Risdon said no more trees will be cut until the county gives the go-ahead.
In September, Risdon agreed to a restraining order signed by a Superior Court judge to prevent further grading and land-clearing until an erosion control plan is submitted as required by the state.