Published September 2004

NASCAR proposal
puts focus on
north county’s future

It’s no surprise that some people, including members of the Snohomish County Citizens Against a Racetrack, are suspicious of the Snohomish County/Marysville/Economic Development Council proposal to the International Speedway Corp. for a NASCAR racetrack in north Snohomish County.

There still are too many unanswered questions.

And, it’s no surprise that the proponents — including the proposal’s sponsors and Fans United for NASCAR — see an opportunity to master-plan a 600-acre site that has the potential to bring more organized growth to that area, stimulating the economy in ways that could speed development of streets and utilities needed to serve the inevitable population and business growth coming to north county.

But they’re cautiously optimistic because there still are too many unanswered questions.

Once the ISC announces its pick among several Northwest sites vying for the NASCAR racetrack, a “green flag” for the Snohomish County proposal presumably would launch more serious, detailed public meetings for financing, permitting and developing a refined proposal and contract.

Until more questions are answered, no one really knows whether NASCAR would be the best development for that giant site or not. Whatever the outcome, it’s good that the NASCAR project has focused both government and public attention on the future economic development of north Snohomish County. That’s a vital topic that will involve many interests for years to come.

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