NEWS
Opposition to mall site for slots may help Laurel
Posted: Thursday, February 04, 2010 5:23 PM
by Frank Angst
A local petition opposing the addition of slot machines at an Arundel Mills mall eventually could create an opportunity for Laurel Park.
In December, the Anne Arundel County Council approved zoning for slot machines at the area mall, which follows a state commission’s February 2009 recommendation of the site. The Maryland Jockey Club wants the machines to be located at Laurel Park, which also has had zoning approval for slot machines.
The Maryland Jockey Club has formed a coalition with other local groups opposed to the mall location. The coalition has launched a petition drive in support of a November referendum to allow county citizens to vote on placing the slot machines at the mall.
The Maryland Jockey Club reports that 9,395 votes were needed by the interim date of February 5. On Thursday, the coalition submitted 23,702 signatures, which already surpasses the 18,790 total signatures required to place the issue on the November ballot.
“We are confident that if given the choice, the people of Anne Arundel County will choose a more appropriate location for 4,750 slot machines that will benefit our county, our state, education funding, and thousands of jobs in the horse racing industry,” MJC President Tom Chuckas said.
Bankrupt racetrack owner Magna Entertainment Corp. plans to offer the MJC properties at an auction currently scheduled for February 10.
Frank Angst is a Thoroughbred Times senior writer
