Collier County motorsports club proposal raises environmental concerns

A plan to develop a private motorsports club on a 531-acre site in Collier County has raised concerns among residents and environmental advocates about its impact on the area and local wildlife. Roy Knight, who has lived near the old Ford test track for 15 years, shared his thoughts on the project. "It needs help," Knight said. "That's the only way to put it politely." The site, purchased by The Hyper Club in 2024 for $10 million, is located off DeSoto Boulevard South. The proposed development includes a pair of two-mile-long performance circuits, an existing two-mile straightaway, housing, a clubhouse and garages. "If they're going to build a racetrack, it for local racing, not just people with their fancy little sports cars," Knight said. Matthew Schwartz, executive director of South Florida Wildlands Association, expressed concerns about the project's location and its potential harm to the Florida panther and other wildlife. "What makes absolutely no sense is it in the middle of this nexus of public lands that was so carefully assembled over many decades of enormous work, enormous cost and an enormous benefit for the wildlife of Southwest Florida," Schwartz said. Schwartz highlighted the environmental risks associated with the development. "You're fragmenting a connected piece of land. You're creating noise, light, physical pollution and contamination," Schwartz said. His nonprofit has started a petition to stop the project, gathering more than 10,000 signatures. "The fact that we've lost so much habitat doesn't mean go ahead and develop what's left. It means what's left is that much more valuable," Schwartz said. In a press release, The Hyper Club stated that more than 70% of the property will be retained as Florida habitat and open space. It also said the fence built around the property will help ensure it remains a safe, secure and animal-free environment. The project requires approval from both Collier County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before construction can begin. Gulf Coast News has reached out to county representatives to confirm whether an application was submitted and how long the review process would take. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.