City leaders, sports tourism supporters and a local bicycle shop owner say Rock Hill’s plan for a new BMX racing center will draw out-of-town visitors and put the city on the map.
John Gettys, former Rock Hill City Council member and current chairman of the Rock Hill Sports Commission, told the council this month the BMX track is a “fabulous project” that could eventually host Olympic trial races.
The council unanimously gave initial approval to borrowing $6.25 million to pay for the BMX Supercross track in the developing Riverwalk outdoor center.
The council likely will vote again for final approval on April 8.
Rock Hill plans to use the money collected in hospitality tax receipts to pay back the $6.25 million loan.
Money coming in from Rock Hill’s hospitality tax – a 2 percent levy on prepared food and drinks – has more than doubled over the past 10 years. Collections are expected to continue to grow by at least 5 percent every year over the next five years, said Steven Gibson, the city’s budget director.
The $1 million track and its supporting facilities will account for about 19 percent of the city’s recreation and tourism-related debt, paid
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