On May 22nd, the Wellington city council made a decision that could mean an end to the Equestrian Village and proposed World Dressage Complex.
In a split vote, the newly elected council members turned down the Wellington Equestrian Partners’ request for an extension regarding platting requirements (amendments site’s master plan), effectively reversing the previous council’s approvals on the $80-million project.
The plan for the 96-acre site originally included a large commercial section, including a hotel. It was recently announced, however, that these plans had been altered and Wellington Equestrian Partners, led by Mark Bellissimo, had withdrawn the hotel proposal. The plan also included the change of use – from a tennis and polo facility to a commercial equestrian centre – as well as designated entrances and exits.
Council will meet again on June 12th to review requests for an extension on the dressage arena, which is meant to diversify the equestrian pursuits and attract more tourist dollars for the area, not to mention boost the profile of dressage in North America.
This decision has met a great deal of controversy, with residents locked in heated debates over the best interests of their community. Some support and others scorn the new council, and rumors abound that some elected officials are serving the agenda of local billionaire Jeremy Jacobs. It has been reported that Jacobs, who lives nearby the proposed site and is opposed to the expansion project, backed council members that were opposed to the development in the recent election.
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