Councilors consistently referenced risks, concerns about items not addressed completely, and opposition of most constituents contacting them.
Gardner City Council Votes Unanimously Against the Horse Racetrack
Gardner City Council voted 11 to 0 against the Horse Racetrack proposal by BayState Racing LLC. The City Council discussed the matter before the vote. Listen to the beginning of the meeting, the discussion, and the vote on any device. CLICK PLAY.
After the vote, the Host Community Agreement was taken off the calendar as it was now moot.
WGAW Radio carried the discussion and vote LIVE on AM 1340, 98.1FM, and streamed live to anywhere in the world.
Gardner Magazine will publish the entire August 5, 2024 City Council meeting when AUDIO is available.
BayState Racing LLC released the following statement on August 6, 2024: “While tonight’s vote isn’t what we had hoped for, we appreciate the City Council hearing our proposal. Tonight would have given us the opportunity to continue with the process and work with the city on Baystate Park. We will continue to work with the Massachusetts horse community on finding a welcoming location for them to breed, race and retire thoroughbred horses.”