Ariz. Supreme Court denies appeal against Maricopa, Apex

The Arizona Supreme Court has rejected a case filing from an organization trying to force the city to hold a vote on a proposed race track in Maricopa. See order

The decision to deny Maricopa Citizens Protecting Taxpayers both a Petition for Review and an Emergency Stay was handed down Wednesday by Chief Justice Scott Bales.

The decision is the most recent in an arduous legal battle that was started when the organization attempted to force a referendum on the city’s issuing of a conditional use permit to Private Motorsports Group for the construction of a private racetrack called Apex Motor Club.

After the city denied the organization’s petition for referendum, MCPT challenged the city and Private Motorsports Group in court, winning an Aug. 9 judgement that forced the city to forward the petition to the Pinal County Recorder, starting the referendum process.

The city and PMG simultaneously filed an appeal. And, on Sept. 6, the Arizona Court of Appeals overturned the lower court’s judgement, which then provoked Maricopa Citizens Protecting Taxpayers to file with the state Supreme Court the now-denied Petition for Review and Emergency Stay.

Though this is likely the last hurdle the city will face in this particular case, another case, filed by Rancho resident Bonita Burks, was heard Monday in Pinal County Superior Court and is awaiting judgement.

A decision on that case is expected by Sept. 14.