Dick Lane Velodrome Saved

Date: 1-20-2004
Place: East Point, Georgia

East Point, GA. On January 20th, The East Point City Council voted unanimously to approve the signing of a 20 year lease with the East Point Velodrome Association (EPVA) for the Dick Lane Velodrome. Over 200 cyclists from the Atlanta area showed up at the meeting to express their support for the velodrome. 

Wayne Whitesides, member of the EPVA, was the first speaker during the public comment period. He outlined what had been done at the Velodrome to reach out to the East Point community, specifically the Youth Bicycle Little League program. Ninety children were able to ride at the track last year. The EPVA reaffirmed its stance that it supported coexistence of the Velodrome with a proposed aquatic center on the same property. Several other speakers voiced their support for the DLV. 

Debate was heated between city council members. Councilman Nelson said that "we need to move quickly to save the velodrome....deterioration cannot continue." She also said that she uses the Velodrome to sell the city to home buyers and developers . She urged the other council members to vote in favor of the velodrome and "save something special for East Point and our kids." Councilman Douglas supported the proposal and said that he was "delighted when the group (EPVA) agreed to train our youth for free." Councilman Pittman wanted further cost analysis done on the budget to run the Velodrome. She was concerned that East Point residents would pay for the track but not get to use it. A friendly amendment was added to the lease to address Pittman's concerns. 

Pete Antonvich, president of the EPVA, said the next step is to get the Environmental Protection Division to approve the repair of the velodrome because of the stream. They also need to finish fundraising. Antonvich also said that the Bicycle Little League " will always be part of our velodrome program." It is an important outreach to the community of East Point. The EPVA is also talking to the city about a three day cycling festival. 

If you would like to donate to the velodrome repair fund, please visit the DLV web page. All donations are tax deductible.