Oswego County residents are speaking out about a new race track proposal that could be coming to Central Square. The facility would be located next to Brewerton Speedway, but would be much bigger and could hold events seven days a week. Our Candace Hopkins was in Hastings Wednesday morning for the first of two meetings on the project.

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HASTINGS, N.Y. -- Right now, a stretch of land between Brewerton Speedway and Central Square Middle School sits empty, but a group of investors has purchased nearly 150 acres, hoping to build a new racing facility.

It would include two race tracks, seating for up to ten thousand spectators, a Nascar-style pit garage, and a restaurant. But it's not being welcomed with open arms by everyone.

"This track is supposed to be built right in the middle of our community, and I think that it's very important that everybody is aware of these meetings and comes out to voice their opinion," said Brewerton resident John Wegerski.

Wegerski was just one of the nearly 60 people who attended Wednesday's scoping meeting. He says the track's proposed location, on an already busy Route 11 and next to the school, is a major problem.

"I think it would be good for Oswego County so another location might be better, however being built in the proposed area where it is, I think would have a huge negative impact on Brewerton and Central Square," he said.

Many residents echoed those concerns, focusing on traffic, noise, pollution and economic issues. Their comments were compiled by town officials. They will help determine what issues the project's next report addresses.

"Part of the state environmental quality review act is to address concerns, not just environmental but also economic, traffic, things of that nature, so is an opportunity for a brainstorming session to get the community involved," said Hastings Town Supervisor Jim Weatherup.

That report is expected to take several months to complete. At that point it will be available for residents to review, and a public hearing on the project will be scheduled.

If you missed the first meeting, a second will be held at 7 p.m. at the Hastings Municipal Building on Route 11. So far, no official application for the project has been submitted to the town board.