In Plymouth, the idea of a horse racing facility on the County Wood Lot – a property that consists of about 110 acres off Camelot Drive – is one that was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters in a non-binding question at the annual town election in May.
But according to County Commissioner Jared Valanzola, there are those in town who welcome an entertainment facility that includes horse racing.
Bobbi Clark has more….
Commissioner Jared Valanzola:
“So, I’ve heard from several folks in Plymouth, as well as outside, but many people within the Town of Plymouth that are ecstatic about the idea of an entertainment facility—whether that be horse racing—or some of the other uses that have been talked about.”
But, Valanzola says he’s glad that folks on both sides of the horse racing issue have reached out…
“…and I appreciate those who are in opposition. I find it unfortunate that horse racing seems to be the only thing that is spoken about and I think it’s a red herring for those who are opposed to anything being on that property to gin up opposition to development there that otherwise wouldn’t be there.”
However, the County has a three-year lease on the property with
Boston South Development, the proponents of an entertainment facility there that includes horse racing.
During that time, Boston South is to review the site and come up with a definitive plan. Valanzola says there’s a lot involved in that process:
“Again, these folks brought forward a proposal that included horse racing. They have a lot of steps to go, should they ever want to see that come to fruition—the Gaming Commission being among them, and other relevant Mass. General Laws, as well as any other laws that may exist. So this isn’t, as we’ve been saying often, a slam dunk, slap it up and we’re going to have the Plymouth derby in five minutes.”
In Plymouth, Bobbi Clark, WATD News.
