Claremont Narrowly Approves Variance for Speedway Campground

In an extremely tight vote Monday night, the Claremont Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance that will allow for camping on property owned by Claremont Speedway on Thrasher Road.

The board voted 3-2 in favor of creating 149 seasonal campground sites for recreational vehicles on the 66-acre property. The variance was needed as a campground is not a permitted use in a residential zone – where the speedway sits – though the board’s approval is not the final hurdle the speedway must clear.

Monday night’s decision can still be appealed within the next 30 days, and speedway officials also need to submit a plan for approval to the city’s planning board. Speedway officials have been exploring the possibility of adding a campground since June, and have held public hearings and site visits to help diminish concerns.

Those who oppose the plan argue a campground would diminish surrounding property values. YCN News will continue to update this story as additional steps are taken.