The resident-packed Gardner City Hall Council Chamber erupted in applause on Monday evening after the council unanimously rejected a proposal to allow horse racing at 827 Green St., the property currently owned and occupied by GAAMHA.
The vote on item #11317 took place, during the city council’s regular meeting.
The council chamber was at capacity 20 minutes before the start of the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Mary Kate Feeney, communications director for Bay State Racing, said they are greatly disappointed but will continue the search for a location where the thoroughbred breeding community can keep their industry going.
“We are disappointed with the council’s vote. We will have to reassess and reevaluate,” She said. “We plan to continue to work with the horse community to find a location for thoroughbred breeders.”
City councillors express concerns over horse racing in Gardner
Before the vote, city councillors had the opportunity to whether or not to allow racing at the site, and they all shared the same concerns that residents have expressed in the past months. Councilors mentioned the lack of solid answers from Bay State Racing, the uncertainty surrounding traffic, and the environmental impact the proposed horse racing facility could create for Gardner residents.
Brad Heglin, Councillor at Large, said he felt the location was inappropriate for Bay State’s proposal.
Karen Hardern, Ward 4 Councillor, said it is up to each councilor to vote what they will allow and that Bay State Racing doesn’t have a track record they can look at to see if they are a good business.
Paul Tassone, Ward 3 Councillor, said racing does not belong in Gardner, and they need to protect the livelihoods of the residents who live near the proposed horse racing facility on Green Street.
Judy Mack, Councillor at Large, said the risk of allowing Bay State to build a horse racing facility on the Green Street property is too great and she hopes they respect the outcome of the council vote and move away from Gardner.
Source link : https://www.thegardnernews.com/story/news/politics/2024/08/06/gardner-city-council-rejects-horse-racing-at-gaamha-property-green-street-bay-state-racing/74682499007/
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Publish date : 2024-08-06 09:21:08
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