by Larry Stewart

As expected, the Inglewood City Council voted on Wednesday night to approve several ordinances and zoning changes that pave the way for Wilson Meany Shirley to develop Hollywood Park.

The five-member council voted 4-0 with one abstention, according to council spokesman Ed Maddox. This final vote closes a series of public hearings and council meetings on the issue.

Bay Meadows Land Co. acquired Hollywood from Churchill Downs Inc. in 2005. The company already has demolished Bay Meadows Race Course in San Mateo, California, but that site is in rubble awaiting development.

Wilson Meany Shirley’s $2-billion plan for Hollywood Park, called Hollywood Park Tomorrow, includes retail, business, residential, and gaming plans but no racing. The fall-winter meet that runs November-December could be the track’s last.

Larry Stewart is a Southern California correspondent of Thoroughbred Times