Area motorsports park owner may shut down business, the Town of Newport says he violated an agreement

One area man is fighting to keep his motorsports business open.

The Town of Newport's attorney sent him a letter advising him not to host any events or commercial activities at his motorsports park.

The Town of Newport says peter Lockwood, the owner of Maximum Power Park in Poland violated an agreement made between him and the town.  But, peter says he followed protocol and did nothing wrong.

"I'm trying everything I can to try and make this work," said Lockwood.

Lockwood has been hosting truck drag races and ATV races for a year now. But, he's now running into problems applying for a one-day operating permit by the town for his next ATV event on June 30th.

"I've submitted all the paper work, done all of my homework in terms of getting proper permits," explained Lockwood.

Tonight, peter and a group of his supporters attended a special town board meeting to address the issue.

 But, because it wasn't on the agenda, he says he has to wait another week to get answers.

"The town says I'm not conforming to zoning ordinance. The town has already issued two permits; one for last year and one for spring already.  If I'm not complying then why did they issue me two permits then," questioned Lockwood.

In a letter addressed to Lockwood, the Town of Newport's attorney says he violated an agreement the town has made with peter regarding having security on premise during the event.

But, he says he has a letter from the Herkimer County Sheriff's Office stating they had two deputies at the park for traffic control.

Peter says he doesn't understand why the town is giving him a hard time. He says he has been getting good feedback from the community regarding his events.

"It helps all the businesses in the area concerning convenience stores. The Amish had booths set up and there were yard sales at the other events.  It brings revenue to the area," said Lockwood.

The Town Board Supervisor did not wish to comment at this time nor was the Town's attorney available for comment.

Lockwood says if he does not comply with the town, the attorney will take legal action.