Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/3/22

Hardwick Board Considers Equestrian Center and Horse Racing Proposal

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 10/3/22

These meeting notes are AI-generated and unofficial. They are provided for convenience and are not official Town records or approved municipal minutes. Verify all details using the source video and official Town documents.

Meeting details

Date

October 4, 2022

Duration

1h 28m

Decisions

None recorded

Action Items

1 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen held a public hearing to discuss the proposed Commonwealth Equestrian and Agricultural Center LLC's horse racing operation at 228 Ferry Road. The applicant presented their vision for a thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing facility, emphasizing economic benefits, educational programs, and horse welfare initiatives. Residents raised numerous concerns regarding potential impacts on traffic, open space, community character, the number of race days, and the financial and environmental implications, prompting clarifications from the applicant and town counsel. The hearing was recessed to allow for further discussion and information gathering.

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Discussion Highlights

The proposed project by Commonwealth Equestrian and Agricultural Center LLC involves thoroughbred horse breeding, training, and a racing operation at Great Meadowbrook Farm (228 Ferry Road).
The applicant's vision includes a premier breeding program, an educational program for local schools (4-H, agricultural), a retraining and retirement opportunity for horses, and a grass track for racing.
Initial racing operations are anticipated to be limited to 2-3 weekends per year, with a commitment not to exceed six weekends, despite state legislation allowing up to 20 days.
The project is projected to generate approximately $500,000 annually in unrestricted revenue for the town, primarily from simulcast wagering and increased property taxes (PILOT program), with a guarantee of this amount.
The applicant committed to covering all event-related costs (police details, water, cleanup).
Casino gambling is strictly prohibited by state law and is not part of this proposal; wagering would primarily occur via mobile applications or at a temporary tent on site during events.
The project would undergo multiple permitting and review processes, including an annual license from the state racing commission and an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) review.
Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential traffic congestion, preservation of open space, loss of community control, the actual number of race days, the use of generated revenue, worker housing, horse welfare (doping, slaughter), noise, alcohol sales, and the impact on the town's quiet character.
The applicant stated plans for a parking management plan to minimize street parking, potential reuse of abandoned properties for worker housing, and a commitment to not install power poles or utilities on Upper Church Street.
The applicant emphasized their commitment to horse welfare, including rescue and rehabilitation programs, and adherence to new federal regulations (HISA).
Town Counsel clarified that the Board of Selectmen's vote is for location approval, which is the first step in a multi-pronged permitting process, and not a final approval of the entire operation.
The Board of Selectmen has the option not to vote on the location approval if they are not comfortable with the information provided.

Transcript (10,870 words)

Lightly cleaned for readability. Each timestamp opens the video at that point.

00:00:07
Good evening it being 6 30. I'm gonna call the board of selectment meeting for Monday October 3rd 2022. I apologize for my voice I'm not feeling well at 6 30 to order the purpose of this meeting is a public hearing
00:00:25
I will read the public hearing notice and then we will hear from so pursuant to Mass General uh chapter 128
00:00:44
Section 13A the town of card three 2022 at 6 30 at the Hardwick Elementary School 76 Schoolhouse Road Harvard Mass zero one zero three seven to discuss whether to approve the location of Commonwealth equestrian and Agricultural
00:01:02
Center llc's proposed horse racing operation at 228 Ferry Road anyone wishing to be heard should appear with a time and place designated above public hearing is open I am going to turn the meeting over to Ryan our
00:01:20
Moderator Ryan will moderate the discussion has a set of rules that we're asking that you follow oh sorry it probably should hold it closer to my mouth too you're welcome and sorry so with that being said the public
00:01:38
Hearing is open the board will be reset the public hearing no later than 8 pm what that means is we are done here tonight by 8 PM Ryan will keep the meeting moving and allow John and the group to do their
00:01:57
Presentation and then they'll be q a so Ryan thank you chairwoman point it's basically going to be like down one bite of the Apple phone up over here seconds
00:02:16
To stay in your case your comments or your question will recognize all of those that wish to speak but it's based upon the constraints of the number of people it it's only it's only one question I would ask that you just turn your cell phones on silent or off if you need to leave obviously you can't

[00:00:07] good evening [00:00:09] it being 6 30. I'm gonna call the board [00:00:12] of selectment meeting for Monday October [00:00:14] 3rd 2022. I apologize for my voice I'm [00:00:18] not feeling well [00:00:19] um at 6 30 to order [00:00:22] um the purpose of this meeting is a [00:00:24] public hearing [00:00:25] I will read the public hearing notice [00:00:29] um and then we will hear from [00:00:38] so pursuant to Mass General uh chapter [00:00:41] 128 [00:00:44] section 13A the town of card three 2022 [00:00:48] at 6 30 at the Hardwick Elementary [00:00:51] School 76 Schoolhouse Road Harvard Mass [00:00:54] zero one zero three seven to discuss [00:00:57] whether to approve the location of [00:00:59] Commonwealth equestrian and Agricultural [00:01:02] Center llc's proposed horse racing [00:01:05] operation at 228 Ferry Road anyone [00:01:09] wishing to be heard should appear with a [00:01:11] time and place designated above [00:01:13] public hearing is open I am going to [00:01:16] turn the meeting over to Ryan our [00:01:20] moderator Ryan will moderate the [00:01:22] discussion has a set of rules [00:01:25] um that we're asking that you follow [00:01:28] um [00:01:31] oh sorry it probably should hold it [00:01:32] closer to my mouth too [00:01:34] um you're welcome and sorry [00:01:36] um so with that being said the public [00:01:38] hearing is open [00:01:41] the board will be reset the public [00:01:44] hearing no later than 8 pm what that [00:01:48] means is we are done here tonight by 8 [00:01:50] PM Ryan will keep the meeting moving and [00:01:54] allow [00:01:55] um John and the group to do their [00:01:57] presentation and then they'll be q a so [00:01:59] Ryan [00:02:03] thank you chairwoman point [00:02:06] um [00:02:07] it's basically going to be like down [00:02:09] one bite of the Apple [00:02:12] phone up over here [00:02:14] seconds [00:02:16] to stay in your case your comments or [00:02:18] your question [00:02:20] will recognize all of those [00:02:23] that wish to speak but it's based upon [00:02:25] the constraints of the number of people [00:02:26] it it's only it's only one question I [00:02:29] would ask that you just turn your cell [00:02:31] phones on silent or off [00:02:33] if you need to leave obviously you can't [00:02:36] just for the record exits [00:02:39] and also to the left [00:02:41] and of course right here we're going to [00:02:43] shut the lights off the presentations [00:02:45] approximately 15 to 20 minutes and then [00:02:47] John will throw it back to me and I'll [00:02:49] set everything up [00:02:51] please be courteous to be respectful uh [00:02:56] take it from there so John you ready [00:02:59] good evening my name is [00:03:05] we're here this evening to introduce our [00:03:09] team our proposal and the process ahead [00:03:12] and to answer any and all questions that [00:03:15] you've made [00:03:20] as you may know [00:03:21] proposing to breed [00:03:25] thoroughbred horses [00:03:30] restricted site known as great [00:03:32] Meadowbrook Farm [00:03:34] we have entered into a purchase the [00:03:36] sales agreement with [00:03:39] go through the permanent process [00:03:42] and have these [00:03:45] so we look forward to the conversation [00:03:46] to see [00:03:47] with us this evening we [00:03:49] need our team we're going to each say a [00:03:51] few words about different pieces of this [00:03:53] and then we will [00:03:55] close and answer your questions first up [00:03:58] is [00:04:02] thank you John [00:04:03] good evening everybody [00:04:05] on behalf [00:04:07] of my partner Robin [00:04:12] architect I want to thank everybody for [00:04:15] the opportunity [00:04:17] and address [00:04:19] our vision for great Meadowbrook um I'd [00:04:23] like to tell you something about myself [00:04:24] personally [00:04:27] you know the principle [00:04:30] project [00:04:31] grew up in a very Urban setting [00:04:35] the Bronx Zoo [00:04:39] situation where there was [00:04:42] absolutely there was no Farms no trees [00:04:44] no grass but I always grew up with [00:04:47] a real uh [00:04:56] came from and when I was at a point in [00:05:01] my life where I had a little bit of a [00:05:04] success uh when I was much younger I I [00:05:07] did what none of my friends could ever [00:05:10] move instead of getting [00:05:15] a family I probably that was probably [00:05:17] one of the you know greatest moments of [00:05:20] my life [00:05:23] was a young girl was five years old she [00:05:25] called [00:05:27] 35 years old now and said to me [00:05:31] that she's been following this project [00:05:34] you know if [00:05:36] this project is approved and hardware [00:05:38] and it goes forward that she and a [00:05:40] husband would like to move here and [00:05:43] hope that it had [00:05:45] depression on her and [00:05:48] and it's been that way in our entire [00:05:49] family when uh [00:05:52] later on in my career when I was able [00:05:55] to uh afford a little bit more we went [00:05:59] out [00:06:02] in the Wyoming resident and I have [00:06:06] been breeding our horses [00:06:09] the divorces competing rodeos and all of [00:06:13] that that kind of stuff that comes with [00:06:15] being out west [00:06:16] uh I have this commitment [00:06:25] s [00:06:30] and one of the things we did [00:06:32] in Wyoming that I'd like to be able to [00:06:35] your Federal Credit [00:06:47] you would think that in a place like [00:06:50] Wyoming where the cows [00:06:59] truth that [00:07:01] you wouldn't have a problem [00:07:03] trying to get [00:07:05] children back interested in farming and [00:07:08] ranch but it was an issue and this [00:07:11] project called Island is our classroom [00:07:13] S one of the things [00:07:16] we're able to do here [00:07:19] with some of your Local Schools if the [00:07:21] project is able to go forward [00:07:23] so I look at this [00:07:26] as a project that has [00:07:29] one is obviously Beyond [00:07:31] operation [00:07:35] expand it into an educational program [00:07:38] the other is a [00:07:40] retraining [00:07:42] opportunity that Robin is going to speak [00:07:45] to in a few minutes [00:07:46] and then of course part of that [00:07:49] offshoot of that [00:07:52] Aquarium [00:07:55] at race [00:07:56] it will be we are proposed [00:07:59] proposed to build a grass [00:08:01] tracker one Great Meadow [00:08:04] um [00:08:07] and it would be probably we're [00:08:10] anticipating [00:08:13] we're approved on [00:08:16] first [00:08:18] and raise next [00:08:20] September we're looking at [00:08:23] operating more than [00:08:25] six weekends here most likely because of [00:08:30] the lack of [00:08:32] forces now in the United [00:08:35] probably looking at [00:08:36] at the most three weekends here but I [00:08:39] would say [00:08:40] the first two years [00:08:42] most likely it [00:08:47] for uh [00:08:50] the other thing I'd like to mention is [00:08:52] that [00:08:54] all of this is [00:08:57] the and the ability [00:09:00] the Commonwealth has [00:09:02] had us legislation [00:09:05] last sports betting [00:09:07] and mobile Sportsman [00:09:09] now in almost every state [00:09:14] speaking you know the it is actually the [00:09:17] most successful [00:09:19] of uh [00:09:29] is that this is [00:09:31] [Music] [00:09:39] almost 500 million [00:09:42] dollars [00:09:48] when I was in school I was focused on [00:09:50] everything about that [00:09:55] 500 [00:09:59] 000 a year [00:10:04] and our increased in our increased taxes [00:10:07] so I would like to turn this over to [00:10:10] Robin who will talk [00:10:15] Gregory is [00:10:18] used what our plans are that we're here [00:10:20] to answer any [00:10:22] questions [00:10:27] oh [00:10:31] [Music] [00:10:40] I got it [00:10:42] interesting [00:10:53] testing okay [00:10:56] hi my name is [00:10:59] I want to give you a little bit about my [00:11:02] background I've been a fourth level [00:11:04] since I can remember and providing [00:11:07] courses since my early years [00:11:09] by um professionally I [00:11:13] lost [00:11:18] it [00:11:19] yeah [00:11:23] I'll go up a little bit that's where [00:11:25] you're gonna have to hold it okay [00:11:30] so uh [00:11:32] I met my husband in the late 70s through [00:11:36] riding actually [00:11:38] through our writing we've got introduce [00:11:53] their athleticism [00:11:56] their work ethic [00:11:59] their engaging personalities and their [00:12:02] beauty and we decided that we would like [00:12:06] to build a horse farm for ourselves and [00:12:09] three horses from our heart racing and [00:12:12] that took about 10 years for us to put [00:12:13] enough put enough together to do that [00:12:15] and [00:12:18] cattle right you're exciting [00:12:21] um since that time we've been [00:12:23] premieres for many years and [00:12:27] the uh we actually introduced uh [00:12:31] stallion [00:12:34] and we've read to him for many years [00:12:36] until we talked [00:12:41] about it [00:12:45] yeah [00:12:46] so I guess I want to say well I've [00:12:50] experienced the whole range of [00:12:52] thoroughbreds from from Reading to [00:12:54] retirement [00:12:56] currently I have 200 years myself who [00:12:58] are retired [00:13:01] because there are no selling and [00:13:03] standing currently in Massachusetts we [00:13:06] we send our mood mirrors [00:13:08] out of state to New York right now where [00:13:11] they get they get read and then they [00:13:13] would come back to Western there'll be [00:13:14] something back [00:13:15] to New York to fall out [00:13:18] it's certainly not the ideal situation [00:13:20] so if you want to have a greeting for me [00:13:22] your marriage [00:13:24] a big portion of that time [00:13:27] can't hear me [00:13:30] so um it is darker and hopefully bring [00:13:33] that uh [00:13:39] okay um [00:13:42] we hope to find a breeding program back [00:13:44] to Massachusetts so that we can [00:13:51] to do that [00:13:54] um [00:13:55] so the ideas have a premier breeding [00:13:58] program [00:14:00] this would only would help the reading [00:14:02] owners and trainers but also [00:14:05] the other answer is that benefit by [00:14:08] having horses being read and raised in [00:14:12] that farming [00:14:13] Veterinary [00:14:15] Foods [00:14:17] barriers Etc [00:14:21] so and well one thing I want to also add [00:14:23] is that after erasing [00:14:26] many of these servers go on to [00:14:29] is there such athlete athletes they are [00:14:31] able to go on to other sports and [00:14:35] provide enjoyment for people outside of [00:14:37] the racing community [00:14:39] and uh in fact the over the wall of it [00:14:44] we've had here many of the horses that [00:14:46] competed in that event were actually off [00:14:49] the track [00:14:49] it's [00:14:53] in addition there are horses horses off [00:14:56] the track can be retrained for other [00:14:57] sports but there are some that can't [00:15:00] really go through retraining in rehab [00:15:03] and for those who want to offer a [00:15:06] retirement home I'm very very passionate [00:15:09] about providing a Haven for horses once [00:15:13] they finish their career racing [00:15:16] so we're hoping that this will explain [00:15:19] this also part of [00:15:21] the program [00:15:22] uh [00:15:26] hard work is a [00:15:28] full we call it uh town and I [00:15:34] understanding [00:15:36] or breeding horses and training horses [00:15:39] and our retirement place [00:15:41] um [00:15:42] I hope that you will think fits into [00:15:44] your town as well [00:15:53] uh my name is Gregory Haas I am a [00:15:57] principal at David Shores Architects [00:16:00] um and I have been working with this [00:16:01] group for several months looking at this [00:16:04] project [00:16:06] um I also have a connection to some [00:16:08] degree with um old communities I grew up [00:16:10] in Western Iowa and my father was a [00:16:12] farmer of 106 8 Acres there so I I do [00:16:15] appreciate the character [00:16:20] uh that being said that brings me to the [00:16:23] concept that you see up here [00:16:24] on the uh in the drawing [00:16:27] um and again this is a concept today [00:16:29] we're showing you there's a lot of [00:16:30] details that will need to be worked out [00:16:32] over time but this gives you a broad [00:16:34] indication of it as to what we're [00:16:36] thinking [00:16:37] uh first and foremost again you can see [00:16:39] that the the colic setting that Robin [00:16:42] mentioned [00:16:44] um is something that we are [00:16:46] deaf preserve and to maintain [00:16:48] ants [00:16:50] we understand that we're proposing a [00:16:52] development that's on APR land and we [00:16:55] appreciate the um the real Beauty and [00:16:58] the uniqueness of this speaker [00:17:00] this piece of something we've spent a [00:17:02] lot of time and attention making sure [00:17:05] that we have understood [00:17:07] so what you see here [00:17:09] proposal for the 340 some days when [00:17:13] there's [00:17:14] an homicide and this really centers [00:17:17] around [00:17:19] and the first is the breeding program [00:17:21] so on the on the lower left of the [00:17:23] drawing there you see one of the [00:17:25] breeding bars which is you're proposing [00:17:28] that's built right to the north of very [00:17:31] um Road and there'll be two barns there [00:17:33] that we build one to house the Bears and [00:17:35] one to house the stallions [00:17:37] um and this and several pastors that go [00:17:40] along with that [00:17:41] the second component of a building that [00:17:43] we're proposing is on upper Church [00:17:45] Street which would be across from the [00:17:47] track [00:17:48] the outline of the track [00:17:50] which is in the existing Meadow there [00:17:52] uh the track again would be [00:17:54] a track so [00:17:56] um on the day-to-day basis you really [00:17:58] are not going to notice that much [00:17:59] difference between what's there and on [00:18:01] the track is installable [00:18:05] um one building we're proposing there of [00:18:07] course if you will agree to this would [00:18:09] be a community Pavilion which would [00:18:12] allow us to have some horse activities [00:18:14] that would be covered uh we could do [00:18:17] horse showing of courses we could sell [00:18:19] horses uh we could use it for a farmer's [00:18:22] market you could also use it for [00:18:24] educational programs for 4-H and other [00:18:27] sorts of community events [00:18:29] that's there on upper Church Street [00:18:32] um further down [00:18:33] the bottom of the page you see the [00:18:36] existing Dairy Farm uh that is proposed [00:18:41] to be reused for some of these Force [00:18:43] uses that Robin was talking about the [00:18:45] rehability Evolution and the therapy and [00:18:48] we're proposing to build an addition [00:18:50] outdoor riding [00:18:52] to be hovered there [00:18:54] so from day to day you can see here that [00:18:57] generally site is going to look as it [00:19:01] does today with a couple of addition Al [00:19:03] buildings that are pulled off of [00:19:05] um that don't exist on upper [00:19:11] now we're [00:19:13] um [00:19:14] we're zooming in to show you a plan of [00:19:17] the festival days and this is upper [00:19:19] Church Street North is right on this [00:19:21] plan and there you can see the Pavilion [00:19:23] at the top up there by up close to the [00:19:25] road s Rock [00:19:27] so what we're proposing is that we're [00:19:28] taking very strong cues from the event [00:19:33] that took place in the 2000s the over [00:19:35] the walls event in which upper Church [00:19:37] Street was closed we understand that [00:19:40] that you know something that we would [00:19:41] need a permission from you all to do uh [00:19:44] but the notion here was that we bring in [00:19:46] All Temporary facilities for the [00:19:48] festival day so the elements that you [00:19:51] see there are grandstands and Tents and [00:19:55] food trucks [00:19:58] that we would want to do during Festival [00:19:59] days that would come in at the beginning [00:20:02] of the weekend at the end of the weekend [00:20:04] that would all be carded up [00:20:06] so that at the end of the weekend [00:20:09] go back to looking just as it does to us [00:20:11] today stone walls were made [00:20:13] trees along upper Church Street would [00:20:15] all remain and um you have the methers [00:20:18] back roughly the way that they are today [00:20:21] online please [00:20:23] and here you see that same view during [00:20:25] your Festival day and you can see the [00:20:27] event is basic [00:20:29] basic place on the upper Church Street [00:20:31] right over there [00:20:34] next slide [00:20:36] uh we wanted to include this because uh [00:20:38] this is one this is a photo from [00:20:41] all of us [00:20:42] that to spawn upper [00:20:44] in this I think it was [00:20:46] number three so it'd be very similar in [00:20:48] terms of number people and the way that [00:20:50] the roadway got set up for the Fest [00:20:55] Ive festival and then finally we wanted [00:20:57] to talk a little bit about [00:20:59] Associated projects that could [00:21:02] should you all agree that this is a [00:21:04] project that you'd like here we think [00:21:06] there's a couple of associated [00:21:10] official to a community one being [00:21:13] a small country in that would allow [00:21:16] people who might come for either [00:21:18] breeding business [00:21:20] I just spent some time here at Hardwood [00:21:22] and then Farm to Table Restaurant which [00:21:25] would also allow [00:21:28] users to share some of their [00:21:31] interesting Harvest with a larger group [00:21:34] of people so things like you know Meats [00:21:37] cheeses produce and even maybe local [00:21:40] wines [00:21:42] and beers could be presented here and [00:21:44] shared [00:21:46] so with that I'm going to turn it back [00:21:49] over [00:21:49] it's a job [00:21:53] thank you [00:21:55] um [00:21:56] you can turn the lights on I'm sure a [00:21:59] couple of comments before we get into [00:22:04] the top of it [00:22:05] during the community conversation that [00:22:08] I'm sure there are questions about that [00:22:09] I just thought I would just meant to [00:22:10] have fun [00:22:12] so the first is [00:22:14] our estimate of five hundred thousand [00:22:16] dollars a year [00:22:18] and hard work is unrestricted [00:22:21] Hydra could use that however they choose [00:22:24] to use [00:22:24] whatever costs are associated with these [00:22:27] events police details [00:22:29] water store cleanup we would pay for all [00:22:33] of [00:22:34] all of ourselves so those revenues are [00:22:37] not [00:22:38] as mitigation those are revenues for the [00:22:41] community to use today by comparison [00:22:49] so it's a significant [00:22:52] second is [00:22:54] there is the Sportsman that Richard [00:22:57] talked about on mobile application [00:23:00] first year here and it will not occur [00:23:02] here this is not a [00:23:06] casino gambling is strictly prohibited [00:23:08] by state law strictly prohibited by the [00:23:10] land use and strictly prohibited by your [00:23:12] body [00:23:13] that is not part of this kind [00:23:16] so if someone tells you it is that is [00:23:19] not what we're talking about we're [00:23:21] talking about putting in two bonds [00:23:23] and racing next year to [00:23:26] get with that I [00:23:28] went and we'd love to answer [00:23:34] foreign [00:23:48] just a reminder [00:23:49] um [00:23:50] if you want to raise your hands also the [00:23:53] microphone 60 seconds and then [00:23:57] find out who you know if you have [00:23:59] somebody that's specific that you want [00:24:00] directly to up available in turn [00:24:02] response so [00:24:04] Jerry go ahead [00:24:21] uh the traffic may generally [00:24:25] um [00:24:26] I'm concerned [00:24:31] um are common as well [00:24:36] um [00:24:44] the potential that this represents [00:24:48] in raising through [00:24:50] our humanities [00:24:53] [Music] [00:24:54] and [00:24:55] and combining [00:24:57] concepts of planetary Health that are [00:25:01] are coming along rather than [00:25:05] providing something for a specialized [00:25:08] interest [00:25:12] okay [00:25:14] um [00:25:20] the biggest thing is we don't want to [00:25:23] lose control luckily [00:25:26] if it is approved to have a Raceway then [00:25:30] I believe this the state takes number [00:25:37] I'll try to answer [00:25:41] on [00:25:42] um first [00:25:45] the revenue is generated from wagering [00:25:49] that occurs [00:25:50] generated by an increase payments and [00:25:53] taxes and pilot [00:25:54] pilot payment of newer taxes to the [00:25:56] community [00:25:57] in terms of [00:25:59] the [00:26:00] immunity [00:26:02] open space one of the things we did [00:26:05] there's a lot of concern about [00:26:07] development and the closing of open [00:26:09] space we're not talking about closing [00:26:11] any [00:26:13] email to put in the two Burns we're [00:26:14] talking about [00:26:17] but professor mullinet [00:26:20] 2000 [00:26:25] Separation on open space [00:26:28] and farms not just in Hardwick but all [00:26:32] across the Commonwealth because as Robin [00:26:35] was talking about a breeding facility [00:26:38] here as [00:26:40] the board open spaces and fine [00:26:44] hay in other materials and through [00:26:48] sending brute Mayors back two farms in [00:26:51] other places and [00:26:53] um [00:26:54] the [00:26:55] the issue of [00:26:58] health and [00:26:59] we would conduct a [00:27:02] traffic extend [00:27:05] s that we would generate and prepare on [00:27:07] an annual basis a parking plan and the [00:27:09] track mitigation plan where we would [00:27:12] hire [00:27:14] we do not expect our traffic [00:27:17] customers to be [00:27:19] a theater [00:27:20] wall festivities [00:27:33] from other places in the couple [00:27:37] that begins to answer questions [00:27:39] thank you John [00:27:40] okay who else would like to [00:27:42] ma'am [00:27:44] please come up and be sure to state your [00:27:45] name so everybody knows who you are [00:27:54] thank you very much [00:27:58] foreign [00:28:04] officials [00:28:10] and to all of us here [00:28:25] the responsibility [00:28:28] foreign [00:28:31] [Music] [00:29:01] for racing in Massachusetts [00:29:07] is a permanent approval [00:29:10] I don't I'm not a player [00:29:13] I would hope we have gotten [00:29:16] our own [00:29:18] and legal counsel for this experienced [00:29:22] an understanding state [00:29:26] and the rules and regulations [00:29:28] regarding racing okay Mike thank you [00:29:32] very much [00:29:35] all right [00:29:48] good evening everyone Alex weissade from [00:29:51] Cape Town Council [00:29:53] uh to address the question in terms of [00:29:56] the action [00:29:57] uh the board of Select will be taking [00:30:00] and voting to approve the location [00:30:01] that's [00:30:05] before the applicants came apply to [00:30:11] for a license that will be required [00:30:15] for the online betting aspect of the [00:30:17] operation [00:30:18] is just the first part [00:30:21] process there also will need to be some [00:30:23] review I Believe by the planning board [00:30:26] in town [00:30:28] and they're they're definitely multiple [00:30:30] prongs to the permit it's going to go [00:30:31] into [00:30:37] it and I would just add to that in [00:30:38] addition [00:30:39] there is an API review piece of piece of [00:30:42] this process that occurs there's an [00:30:44] annual annual you and license that goes [00:30:46] to the state racing [00:30:48] racing there's an annual review which is [00:30:51] part of the house key [00:30:53] s part of this each of those things [00:30:55] binding restrict [00:30:57] the applicant and limit what we can and [00:31:00] cannot [00:31:01] cannot and so think about this [00:31:03] [Music] [00:31:04] license that the community gives up for [00:31:07] anything else common dictionar or an [00:31:09] alcohol license yes you renew it each [00:31:11] year but you have to follow the strict [00:31:13] guidelines [00:31:15] that if you don't follow the guidelines [00:31:17] you don't keep your license [00:31:19] this is a heavily heavily regulated [00:31:23] activity in terms of the safety of [00:31:26] every other piece of this that goes on [00:31:28] this is not make one decision and you [00:31:31] never hear from anybody ever again [00:31:32] there'll be more conversation on this on [00:31:35] an annual basis than there aren't [00:31:37] proposed to the other licenses [00:31:39] so [00:31:41] thank you John [00:31:42] yesterday [00:31:45] and again let's remind everybody we're [00:31:47] trying to get everybody to the [00:31:48] opportunity in 60 Seconds [00:31:51] okay [00:31:56] [Music] [00:31:58] my name is [00:32:01] my question is since most since almost [00:32:11] a hand what happens when if that doesn't [00:32:14] come through because that's the [00:32:16] Commonwealth needs to [00:32:20] hardback who's listening [00:32:23] to process [00:32:24] I don't see you being able to ever going [00:32:27] concern [00:32:28] just enough horses [00:32:36] they're all tied together with each [00:32:39] other [00:32:39] devices [00:32:49] Saturday [00:32:51] to look at if you have questions we [00:32:52] welcome them and please email or call us [00:32:56] um they're tied together but if you get [00:32:58] a 128 a license which is what is a race [00:33:02] week license to be applied next year to [00:33:05] race on September 10 and September 11 [00:33:07] those two days [00:33:09] if we get that it comes with what they [00:33:12] call it [00:33:14] 120 is the right assignment [00:33:15] s so they go hand in hand with each [00:33:18] other if we end up doing one we end up [00:33:20] doing [00:33:22] together with each other [00:33:23] so it's not [00:33:30] think about it and under Section [00:33:33] is 128c the community gets one and a [00:33:36] half percent of that Revenue [00:33:38] almost all of that is [00:33:44] current all over the country [00:33:45] people are voting about their taxes or [00:33:48] something else the wagering that occurs [00:33:50] on the site will occur at a temporary [00:33:53] intent [00:33:54] two days next year two [00:33:57] and as for someone who approaches the [00:33:58] site [00:33:59] to wager on site other than that there [00:34:02] is no wagering occurrent by law or [00:34:06] otherwise [00:34:07] not [00:34:11] yes [00:34:23] everybody [00:34:30] foreign [00:34:57] imagine yourself [00:35:09] so we won't really know that until you [00:35:13] know this happened it isn't a day one [00:35:15] and the money's gonna be there very [00:35:17] similar to every budget year that we've [00:35:20] had and [00:35:21] you've seen us all sitting up here [00:35:22] talking about [00:35:24] Financial [00:35:25] um situation [00:35:27] it will depend on uh what needs are [00:35:29] there I mean the hope would be that that [00:35:31] money is used for big things Capital [00:35:34] things things that we shouldn't really [00:35:35] put into the budget process [00:35:38] um if you sort of think back and I hate [00:35:40] to even say this word but if you think [00:35:42] about the landfill and what the landfill [00:35:44] funds are used when we have them they [00:35:46] were used for Capital items and big [00:35:49] things [00:35:50] um so ideally [00:35:51] um [00:35:52] you know this probably happened long [00:35:53] before I'm still in office or hopefully [00:35:55] I'll still be in town [00:35:57] um you know that it would be used for [00:36:00] things that the town really needs and [00:36:02] not to be part of the normal budgeting [00:36:04] that's my opinion of course there's two [00:36:06] other Selectmen and a bunch of finance [00:36:08] committee members and all the residents [00:36:11] that really decide how it's used but [00:36:13] that will be the home [00:36:15] do you guys want to add anything I just [00:36:18] tell your mom no I think you said it [00:36:21] probably [00:36:25] to [00:36:28] to thoughts today [00:36:30] first of all on the money end of it [00:36:34] I'd like to say the following [00:36:36] that the [00:36:43] SE [00:36:44] guys [00:36:52] the 500 [00:36:56] 0 [00:36:57] we would be prepared to guarantee that [00:37:00] stole that from a planning standpoint [00:37:03] you could say well we know that [00:37:06] as John says when you get the [00:37:09] eating license you automatically get a [00:37:12] simulcast line [00:37:14] you can then as [00:37:16] as a as a jurisdiction start planning [00:37:20] for [00:37:21] regulation [00:37:24] was in perpetuity we will guarantee that [00:37:26] as a simple number as we if it's not [00:37:29] negotiating the host agreement [00:37:31] the second thing I'd like to [00:37:33] address is your question about I'm going [00:37:36] to call it apprentices and and tying it [00:37:38] with the schools I [00:37:45] probably done this in Wyoming [00:37:48] basically [00:37:49] Enterprise program [00:37:51] we would like to use [00:37:53] the [00:37:54] actual Farm as well as what we build a [00:37:58] you must just call it Farm to tape [00:38:01] restaurant as they [00:38:04] do people in those graphs [00:38:07] and in the past [00:38:10] jobs and [00:38:12] and the agricultural world and you could [00:38:15] you could you know in [00:38:16] in the culinary so I would like to be [00:38:19] able to be in a situation where we work [00:38:21] in conjunction your local [00:38:25] theater agricultural schools I hope that [00:38:27] answers your question [00:38:45] my name is [00:38:49] comments are relatively close where this [00:38:53] has been happening and so I have a few [00:38:55] more [00:38:56] from here [00:38:58] um specifically on development of the [00:39:00] site [00:39:01] so I read the article there have been [00:39:04] basic about yes our first put your first [00:39:08] call would be to have a race next year [00:39:10] but then plans would to be have up to [00:39:13] maybe six [00:39:15] um weekend racism [00:39:17] or 20 events [00:39:19] so I have questions on [00:39:21] one [00:39:22] um what are your plans for parking is a [00:39:24] parking lot part of your 350 Acres [00:39:29] or they're going to be going to be [00:39:30] people parking on [00:39:32] the run up and down on the side streets [00:39:33] like every every weekend event [00:39:37] um that's one of my questions the other [00:39:39] workers [00:39:41] um permanent workers how many transient [00:39:43] workers do you plan on having a [00:39:45] um like this Farm do you plan on [00:39:48] building housing for the permanent or [00:39:51] transient workers like your um [00:39:56] I was wondering [00:40:05] um [00:40:08] you know having a [00:40:11] requirement in the house Community [00:40:12] agreement that required [00:40:14] license on an annual basis to meet with [00:40:17] this uh select board and to have a [00:40:20] parking plan [00:40:21] that is approved [00:40:24] we would care to have no parking on [00:40:28] streets to minimize [00:40:32] assumption we were probably not Saturday [00:40:35] with some of us as the people who are [00:40:37] working or for people that are part of [00:40:40] the event and we were looking at a [00:40:43] person adjacent to it which is not [00:40:47] for a parking [00:40:50] patrons [00:40:57] in terms of the number of days we're [00:40:59] looking at no more than six weekends but [00:41:02] as Richard talked about earlier it's [00:41:04] unrealistic in our future at least for [00:41:08] the next five [00:41:10] we're going to be able [00:41:12] more than a couple of weekends because [00:41:15] of the number of person the number of [00:41:17] horses [00:41:19] horses first of all [00:41:21] pay those worth [00:41:24] um but we would guarantee we wouldn't do [00:41:26] more than six weekends the 20 days just [00:41:29] it doesn't exactly match up [00:41:32] but a couple of them would end up being [00:41:35] to that point [00:41:36] but we don't anticipate [00:41:39] supporters we're looking at [00:41:46] people it'll take a lot of to pay for [00:41:51] launcher and direct traffic [00:41:54] provide [00:41:56] just part of these [00:41:57] events that will occur on site we are [00:42:00] looking at [00:42:01] a couple of [00:42:03] properties that are currently abandoned [00:42:07] um [00:42:08] people that would end up [00:42:11] or something else associated there is [00:42:13] somehow [00:42:16] housing which is currently [00:42:19] currently we would need something for [00:42:24] is [00:42:27] the whole question did some bleachers [00:42:40] my name is memorial [00:42:45] and I spent just about every other week [00:42:47] I will take care of horses [00:42:52] and horse rescues and supporting the [00:42:53] horse residents are taken care of my own [00:42:57] probably [00:43:01] just yes they have three new programs [00:43:03] but there's nothing [00:43:05] here the horses have [00:43:07] and I've seen it over and over again [00:43:18] of course education [00:43:24] but to a very reasonable program [00:43:27] together which I think is sustainable [00:43:31] core program in the country we're always [00:43:33] making programs [00:43:35] here and I just want to hear it from you [00:43:37] personally [00:43:40] one of the local recipes [00:43:56] thank you very much I think it's a great [00:43:58] question uh I would say to you that we [00:44:01] would do both I know [00:44:04] Robin's passion is really the rescue and [00:44:09] of [00:44:14] course [00:44:18] you can actually rescued and Rehab [00:44:22] dedicate some of [00:44:24] them and The Horseman by the way [00:44:29] they decided [00:44:32] the first pool to put aside for a rescue [00:44:36] and Rehab [00:44:37] thorough so I appreciate your question [00:44:42] thank you very much John John would like [00:44:44] to have [00:44:47] um [00:44:54] can everybody hear me okay [00:44:57] uh my name is Paul Abuelo I'm actually [00:44:59] the executive [00:45:00] the New England's benevolent [00:45:03] protect Association and those reports [00:45:05] you guys [00:45:06] tonight [00:45:07] um I also serve on [00:45:09] as a director [00:45:12] um [00:45:13] my job [00:45:15] awake every night is [00:45:17] you guys are trying to do here today is [00:45:20] I [00:45:21] bought hundreds of local horses [00:45:22] benevolence old age assistants life [00:45:26] insurance [00:45:27] and many other benefits um that our [00:45:30] organization as a non-profit supports [00:45:33] um [00:45:34] I think it's important to understand [00:45:36] that us as a Horseman now remember we're [00:45:38] attached at the hip [00:45:40] he's gentlemen can't raise without [00:45:42] it we get into those contract [00:45:44] negotiations [00:45:46] um and one of the things that's [00:45:46] important to myself I think is important [00:45:48] all of you is [00:45:49] current tests we The Horseman through [00:45:52] this program [00:45:54] can contribute proceeds [00:45:57] percentages though so it started [00:46:01] and [00:46:02] some way up because I keep hearing about [00:46:04] revenue revenue [00:46:05] we can contribute a percentage to a [00:46:07] community mitigation fund throughout [00:46:09] proceeds so we have the ability as [00:46:12] Horsemen and [00:46:14] to give up those type of proceeds to [00:46:16] help what your people are specifically [00:46:18] looking for our organization [00:46:20] specifically myself rescue so six losses [00:46:23] every year that you tell you about that [00:46:25] might be someone just can't take care of [00:46:28] so that again it's not just about us [00:46:30] running around a race course and for six [00:46:33] weekends and running for purses it's [00:46:35] about the breeding farms [00:46:37] preserve the open space [00:46:40] and all of the other jobs that whether [00:46:42] it's on this site or throughout the [00:46:44] Commonwealth said I know I put in [00:46:47] this API [00:46:48] AR and I read an article the other day [00:46:49] and [00:46:50] to me it was shocking to hear that the [00:46:52] USD U.S boarded to 2007 [00:47:00] not necessarily APR doesn't mean you [00:47:03] can't down the road but the farming [00:47:05] suit for developer I ran the numbers [00:47:13] foreign [00:47:15] [Music] [00:47:37] thank you [00:47:40] yeah [00:47:43] that's awesome [00:47:51] with just a few houses down from my farm [00:47:55] and uh first I'd like to point out we [00:47:58] noticing equated [00:48:01] [Music] [00:48:05] 36 hours [00:48:10] that's been going on here for two months [00:48:18] that's not what this is [00:48:22] so uh but my question is uh [00:48:26] uh so you guys are kind of skated [00:48:29] between two days and six weeks [00:48:34] six long weekends of events [00:48:37] so [00:48:38] you know that's a big difference and [00:48:40] that means a lot to people in town [00:48:43] because it's gonna be a traffic problem [00:48:45] there's no way around that [00:48:48] it's going to change the center attack [00:48:52] and it will be irreversible so I think [00:48:56] it's fair that the town would that you [00:48:59] would commit [00:49:00] or we had to agree to this [00:49:04] what's it going to be how many how many [00:49:07] events are there going to be [00:49:10] it's not next year just while you're [00:49:12] getting started [00:49:15] with that can help thank you Mr Doug [00:49:18] thank you [00:49:19] Thomas wow [00:49:22] the comparison was not meant to appear [00:49:24] the not-for-profit the for-profit [00:49:27] just the cars [00:49:30] um let me [00:49:32] if it doesn't [00:49:34] worry candid about [00:49:37] why 20 days [00:49:40] okay the state legislature [00:49:42] and it's wisdom [00:49:44] s that there should be a goal of raising [00:49:48] 20 days a year [00:49:50] and everyone involved acknowledges [00:49:52] that's a very unrealistic goal [00:49:56] the commission has the ability to wage [00:49:59] as many of those days as possible [00:50:02] based on the inability of people to do [00:50:05] that now the gentleman was just up here [00:50:07] represents the horsemen they wanted to [00:50:09] raise [00:50:14] to them and our group we don't see into [00:50:17] the crystal ball into the future as far [00:50:19] as we can but we can get more than a few [00:50:23] that said State loss is 20. [00:50:28] we're never going to try to achieve the [00:50:30] legislative goal of 20 days [00:50:33] but I can stand here and tell you it is [00:50:35] not an achievable goal [00:50:37] it's not achievable [00:50:39] purses it's not [00:50:41] valuable in terms of courses what's [00:50:44] realistic could we get to three weekends [00:50:48] at the end of a decade [00:50:50] Maybe [00:50:52] that's gonna say um [00:50:54] I was actually I was thinking as he was [00:50:56] saying that I was going to say an [00:50:59] achievable goal is three weekends [00:51:01] however what John was saying is [00:51:04] this was a legislative decision this was [00:51:07] not our decision or the Horseman's [00:51:09] decision to say racing up to 20 days so [00:51:13] it is it is in the legislation but [00:51:16] realistically probably for the next [00:51:18] years there will be two weekends [00:51:24] and divorces it's also not enough money [00:51:27] in What's called the third Urban [00:51:29] Development per school that is funded [00:51:32] through various mechanisms [00:51:35] so when you really look at [00:51:37] look at it you know it's a it's a great [00:51:38] question we weren't trying to skate [00:51:41] through anything [00:51:43] the legislation stated up to 20 days [00:51:47] from our standpoint we actually asked [00:51:50] him so we're really looking at [00:51:54] where [00:51:55] it isn't impossible [00:51:57] again so I would say [00:51:59] gold would be from our standpoint [00:52:01] Community it's three or four years you [00:52:04] may have three weekends [00:52:09] I hope that answers your question [00:52:12] candidly and directly and we would come [00:52:14] back to the community each year as part [00:52:16] of our host community agreement and work [00:52:18] through a parking traffic [00:52:21] for the number of days [00:52:24] so we would go and ask for the number of [00:52:27] days this [00:52:28] year we've asked for two days [00:52:32] because we probably would do the same [00:52:33] that you're after or maybe three days [00:52:36] but it's you're not going to say Wild [00:52:41] wild they're just [00:52:42] they're just horses to be to be able to [00:52:44] do that irrespective of [00:52:46] [Music] [00:52:49] Mr chef [00:52:59] um [00:53:11] so one day a weekend [00:53:14] that's five months out of the year [00:53:16] should be racing that's the possibility [00:53:19] so my question is actually if you race [00:53:21] two days how do you generate 500 000 for [00:53:25] us [00:53:26] I understand so let me answer two parts [00:53:29] of that question [00:53:30] first piece of your question is we're [00:53:33] talking about six weekends or 20 days so [00:53:36] we're not talking about [00:53:39] weekends [00:53:41] and second it's [00:53:44] law that we this year ask Ed to wave 18 [00:53:48] of the 20 days [00:53:50] and it would realistically we would end [00:53:52] up doing that almost each and every [00:53:55] so we're not looking at [00:53:58] 50 weeks or 20 weeks we're looking at [00:54:00] most six [00:54:02] we would do the off peak times [00:54:05] in realistic [00:54:07] one weekend next year next year and in [00:54:09] the next five years [00:54:11] maybe we get [00:54:13] more realistically we probably [00:54:16] they're just not horses for the folks to [00:54:20] be able to do that [00:54:23] the revenue [00:54:26] Richard Fields is a great negotiator [00:54:29] you know they [00:54:32] they've got [00:54:33] uh [00:54:38] the [00:54:39] um [00:54:41] so the money comes from that five [00:54:43] hundred thousand dollars which is a [00:54:45] guarantee okay so we'll write it in the [00:54:47] agreement that we on a quarterly basis [00:54:50] give [00:54:52] where we anticipate that money [00:54:54] being two is about 240 [00:54:59] on there on their phones all of [00:55:03] New York California betting on horse [00:55:06] races or people in Massachusetts betting [00:55:08] on Races someplace else [00:55:11] number two it's a [00:55:13] song with [00:55:18] food sales and and three it is a pilot [00:55:21] program currently the project the [00:55:23] property pays a little less than ten [00:55:26] thousand dollars here is [00:55:28] we would agree to a pilot program a [00:55:31] payment [00:55:33] of the difference a couple [00:55:36] of so the answer is [00:55:38] real money to the community [00:55:41] use for whatever admissions as I said [00:55:44] earlier any expense [00:55:46] details and the like [00:55:48] we'll pay for all of [00:55:49] them beyond that are ourselves [00:56:02] cases [00:56:06] I like the details um and I have a [00:56:10] question [00:56:13] it seems like if you have the 128-day [00:56:16] license says the festival had to [00:56:19] recovering but in your own document [00:56:22] s [00:56:28] and you acknowledge [00:56:32] since I've been prepared anything else [00:56:35] uh [00:56:37] this baby says [00:56:40] you need to run [00:56:41] um 900 live reasons a minimum of 100 [00:56:46] places [00:56:55] that you anticipate 2000 people [00:57:01] 5 000 people per raised it so that come [00:57:06] to about 500 [00:57:08] 000 people in hardwood in a year in the [00:57:11] rainy season [00:57:13] our population that would be 250 times [00:57:18] in one year [00:57:20] so that'll be 2.5 times [00:57:32] as a lead your math is probably correct [00:57:35] but your numbers are totally wrong [00:57:38] so let me let me unpack [00:57:40] answer your question [00:57:43] um [00:57:44] the racing stature chapter 128a and 128 [00:57:48] C you're correct we will apply for a [00:57:50] silent [00:57:51] Lookout which is 120 [00:57:53] . the language that is [00:57:55] the state which dates back to P35 has [00:57:58] some really ridiculous number of races [00:58:01] it [00:58:03] says that that section of the statute [00:58:08] goes away [00:58:09] and it gets replaced with 20 days [00:58:13] we could have an hour an hour-long [00:58:14] conversation [00:58:16] 900 to [00:58:18] 150 to 20. [00:58:21] still unrealistic numbers but they're [00:58:24] not 900 [00:58:26] . the other thing is is that a race the [00:58:30] statute is very complicated [00:58:33] a race is One race [00:58:35] so on a race day so let's say next [00:58:40] 11 [00:58:41] they will be between [00:58:43] 10 races on [00:58:45] them so there will be [00:58:47] 12 0 races on two days [00:58:51] so it's not [00:58:55] at an outer end per race [00:58:58] it's a festival [00:59:01] so you can't multiply every race by [00:59:04] every person [00:59:05] every person doesn't leave [00:59:07] every half hour for a race [00:59:11] um [00:59:12] number of people you're talking about is [00:59:16] not dissimilar to other [00:59:18] to other current Community which I won't [00:59:20] mention by name [00:59:24] but it is something that we feel we can [00:59:27] achieve through a parking management [00:59:29] plan without being disruptive due [00:59:32] emergency or other activities that are [00:59:35] going on in [00:59:37] them and they're not dissimilar to what [00:59:38] you've seen the events you're talking [00:59:40] about [00:59:43] are admittedly [00:59:48] is the legend the legislature has [00:59:50] to go [00:59:51] 20 [00:59:53] days we believe [00:59:58] we've asked her to [01:00:01] I hope that answers your question sir [01:00:04] yes Mr Largo Casino [01:00:15] foreign [01:00:19] [Music] [01:00:33] comes in [01:00:36] that was my understanding [01:00:41] that's that's that was one question [01:00:43] because to clarified [01:00:46] but I've been looking at this thing for [01:00:49] about a week and uh [01:00:53] I feel like I'm learning a lot just in a [01:00:56] very short amount of time I'm sure [01:00:57] there's a lot [01:01:00] my feeling is that we're going to see a [01:01:02] lot more than two weekends producing [01:01:04] this town at some point in the Nots of [01:01:07] this diffusion and we know that this [01:01:09] proposal has been authored to numerous [01:01:12] other towns [01:01:13] Suffolk Downs closed [01:01:16] closed down those towns which are much [01:01:18] larger than that [01:01:19] two and three times the size of our town [01:01:22] have all rejected some of them claiming [01:01:25] to [01:01:27] me it could be the quiet piece of Joy [01:01:30] there to not think [01:01:32] ing I think would be very very sweet [01:01:37] and if you think about the community [01:01:45] one eyes they wouldn't touch this [01:01:48] one called [01:01:50] thank you [01:02:04] just um any questions that are mentioned [01:02:06] tonight that we don't [01:02:08] remember [01:02:11] just post [01:02:13] um we will make sure and I guess [01:02:15] procedurally any other questions that [01:02:17] come up as a result of tonight that [01:02:19] you'd like answers and you don't feel [01:02:21] have been answered please send them to [01:02:23] Nicole [01:02:24] and we will get answers so we will [01:02:26] follow up on that question make sure we [01:02:28] get multiple I don't answer on the with [01:02:30] regard to the location [01:02:32] and [01:02:34] if I didn't just address the other part [01:02:38] of the other communities [01:02:40] not only this group has only been [01:02:42] involved in one of the very to be aware [01:02:44] of other communities across the state [01:02:49] in one way or another there used to be [01:02:51] seven new communities in the [01:02:53] Commonwealth that did base uh around uh [01:02:56] agricultural fairs county fairs [01:02:59] Northampton [01:03:01] Greenfield [01:03:03] South Weymouth [01:03:05] and they've gone by the wayside [01:03:09] because of anything other than the lack [01:03:11] of availability of forces there are no [01:03:13] forces to race in those communities [01:03:16] we looked at Sturbridge as a [01:03:19] on the insect [01:03:21] NSX 420 in the mass [01:03:23] it was a [01:03:26] very large commercial development that [01:03:28] was [01:03:30] that was why the community was looking [01:03:32] at it is nothing [01:03:36] it's relative [01:03:37] commercial component of that [01:03:39] was just too [01:03:41] it wasn't the open space and [01:03:45] cultural components that were the reject [01:03:49] proposal it had to do with the fact that [01:03:52] four and nine [01:03:54] hour parking lot [01:03:56] not really [01:03:58] doing this but it's a major intersection [01:04:11] s [01:04:18] 40 years [01:04:23] I would like to tell you that I kind of [01:04:27] contributed myself the janitor of [01:04:31] twice three times [01:04:33] with me my daughter my wife and uh [01:04:38] not much I must say because [01:04:45] [Music] [01:04:50] it's a little bit wobbly so those big [01:04:53] boulders come down that's right [01:04:55] Street [01:04:57] picking up with my tractor [01:05:06] yeah [01:05:07] and I when I do that I [01:05:11] quite life to the left to the right on [01:05:14] the western side the sixth Mama bears in [01:05:19] the course and they all went there you [01:05:22] don't go there without [01:05:26] you okay [01:05:29] today we have I don't know how many [01:05:31] turkeys there is Bruce on the right side [01:05:34] on West Side [01:05:35] the question is when I look at your [01:05:37] plans [01:05:40] and [01:05:50] you want to track them [01:05:55] uh Eric [01:06:00] how long are you going to [01:06:02] maintain AP [01:06:06] conditions that means what everybody [01:06:08] tells me whom I met them and I met a lot [01:06:11] of people they are saying to see it's [01:06:13] pristine [01:06:14] foreign [01:06:54] on this side [01:06:56] and we're talking about over cutting the [01:06:58] grass to put in a grass [01:07:00] we're not touching the view corridor [01:07:02] we're not touching the development the [01:07:05] over the walls program that we're on [01:07:07] there for four or five years the bees [01:07:10] are still here the layers are still [01:07:14] and we want for those days [01:07:18] community [01:07:20] over the wall [01:07:22] ensure that you can [01:07:24] switch his slide [01:07:26] which is the over the wall is festive [01:07:28] we're not talking about using the API [01:07:31] property to build or construct or to do [01:07:33] anything [01:07:37] cultural purposes [01:07:38] about using the right of way for [01:07:40] concessions [01:07:44] and then when the event is done it is [01:07:47] gone just as it was there you don't see [01:07:50] any of these things in this picture in [01:07:52] your view in your daily remark today [01:07:56] for an entire weekend [01:08:01] horses [01:08:06] they prefer to run on a grass which is [01:08:09] safer so a safer track is a grass track [01:08:13] according to the race [01:08:16] thank you heart the gentleman [01:08:30] my name is [01:08:33] Target [01:08:37] instructions [01:08:39] sure a couple of questions [01:08:43] um it's my understanding that you're [01:08:46] your engine has met with [01:08:48] uh Dar which has [01:08:51] a troll over the [01:08:52] regulations of the Agricultural [01:08:56] [Music] [01:08:58] cultural talk about tribute [01:09:02] concerns [01:09:04] were raised [01:09:05] the first thing that has to happen [01:09:07] to have dabr regulations have [01:09:13] secondly another question I have that I [01:09:15] have [01:09:17] I have how do you plan to limit the [01:09:19] maximum attendance at your events [01:09:26] the entry [01:09:28] at the maximum seat [01:09:31] It Off [01:09:32] to 10 000 people [01:09:35] next question [01:09:40] the uh [01:09:42] the regulations [01:09:43] [Music] [01:09:47] um that stream has no overhead power [01:09:50] limit which is part of the natural [01:09:53] beauty [01:09:54] it's a beautiful place to walk you're [01:09:57] not reminded that you're anywhere but [01:10:00] possibly the South will be [01:10:03] Harvard uh would you make a commitment [01:10:07] not to put power poles or lines for [01:10:11] telecommunications along that street [01:10:19] um [01:10:22] that is the easiest one we have no plans [01:10:25] no discussion of doing anything on upper [01:10:28] trucks the young utilities no power no [01:10:31] nothing the reason is that the site was [01:10:34] selected for [01:10:39] water and utilities at that site so it [01:10:42] minimizes any kind of utility work that [01:10:45] needs to occur you will see no [01:10:48] difference on upper Church Street and [01:10:50] that will be [01:10:51] restricted to us in writing in the [01:10:54] in the community [01:10:57] would need to find [01:11:00] letter with [01:11:03] you for uh what we would need to do we [01:11:07] believe everything you've outlined here [01:11:09] mine too 100 seconds with API [01:11:12] we were talking about [01:11:14] talking about breeding barn on an eighth [01:11:16] breeding facility [01:11:17] million for agricultural purposes and [01:11:22] property to bring train and raise [01:11:25] thoroughbreds [01:11:27] and if you read the statute that's what [01:11:29] statute speaks to [01:11:38] sorry guys [01:11:46] tree and force all the story he led with [01:11:49] today so and the millions and the [01:11:52] factory [01:11:54] however it went myself [01:11:57] tread many others [01:11:59] were not born residents we came here for [01:12:01] five rooms we said we bought homes we [01:12:05] bought land and Federated doctor said [01:12:07] tear down [01:12:11] quiet [01:12:12] what are you doing for that that's my [01:12:14] question what about argument [01:12:17] which is [01:12:20] where are we where are you guys you're [01:12:23] smart people laughing 500 million 500 [01:12:26] 000. this isn't a money [01:12:31] it's a family it's a hard [01:12:33] so when one of your attendees takes off [01:12:36] down my street I have it my children [01:12:37] walk [01:12:39] if you take out my wifey [01:12:41] it's okay we got 500 000 bucks [01:12:47] I don't know [01:12:52] thank you [01:12:57] that you have land is protected by APR [01:13:03] IL and we believe we have a responsible [01:13:06] use for that property that minimizes the [01:13:09] use of that property [01:13:10] properties [01:13:14] Mr Raymond we're trying to get everybody [01:13:16] they'll be here tomorrow night as well [01:13:18] that's a very good thoughtful afterwards [01:13:21] uh it's sirens is there any uh hold on [01:13:24] Bill I saw this first so [01:13:34] um Elizabeth [01:13:41] I'm going to speak to the other [01:13:44] next doping and [01:13:46] um if there's rules against both of [01:13:49] those but they're still doping horses [01:13:51] they're making homemade concoctions and [01:13:53] what's even worse is the jockeys the [01:13:55] jockeys are foreign [01:13:58] marijuana and whatever else they come in [01:14:01] come in so that just so that everybody [01:14:03] knows that that is going to happen [01:14:06] when I was [01:14:08] let's talk to horse law [01:14:10] thirty thousand baby horses [01:14:12] thoroughbreds are born every year [01:14:15] Starbucks [01:14:20] they have documented ten thousand of [01:14:23] those horses going to slaughter and I [01:14:25] know that you sat there and said oh no [01:14:28] trainer let the race again [01:14:31] Slaughter they sell it to somebody else [01:14:36] okay and [01:14:38] okay in a stack of Lights the horse is [01:14:40] going to squatter forces that have gone [01:14:42] to slaughter daughters daughters and [01:14:44] sons and grandsons [01:14:47] and it's not questions okay [01:14:53] um there's not only that is [01:14:56] maybe people who remember that horse's [01:14:59] name they said oh he broke his leg now [01:15:05] behind a pickup truck because they [01:15:07] wanted the insurance [01:15:18] and in Massachusetts there's been taken [01:15:21] extremely seriously Master Suite has [01:15:23] been a lead on there are good horse [01:15:26] owners and they're bad horses they're a [01:15:28] good dog [01:15:30] with the gentleman to my left to your [01:15:32] right LED Suffolk bounds involved it was [01:15:37] an absolute zero dollar [01:15:39] s [01:15:40] and that meant chasing people through [01:15:42] the ownership of change you're looking [01:15:44] at when they found them they were being [01:15:45] for life [01:15:47] became such a story and pressure on the [01:15:50] industry that the industry as a whole [01:15:52] had to move towards it [01:15:54] the federal government has set up a new [01:15:56] Administration called history [01:15:58] of course Integrity security [01:16:01] Authority we've set up new regulations [01:16:04] in terms of course safety dealing with [01:16:07] everything from medications to drug [01:16:10] Etc this facility will strictly adhere [01:16:13] to those regulations and likely exceed [01:16:15] those because that's the horse owners [01:16:17] you have here so yes are there problems [01:16:20] in the industry and do they do horrific [01:16:21] horrible [01:16:22] horrible yes [01:16:23] have the people [01:16:24] 's rump and leaders again [01:16:27] and driving the industry as a whole [01:16:29] absolutely read about it it's there [01:16:34] these Majestic equestrian athletes [01:16:38] deserve more that's why you heard the [01:16:40] head of the [01:16:43] your dollars and putting them into [01:16:45] retirement program [01:16:46] for retirement and [01:16:48] ask an important passion of robins and [01:16:51] Richards in terms of [01:16:54] this is a problem in the industry [01:16:56] Massachusetts [01:17:08] I am [01:17:09] I hear all the concerns about the [01:17:11] traffic marketing [01:17:13] Etc and I think that would be a huge [01:17:15] thing if we had 20 20 events uh with us [01:17:19] to take down and all that but that [01:17:20] doesn't really [01:17:21] want to ask if you're about it has more [01:17:24] to do with [01:17:25] what is really the purpose for the whole [01:17:28] proposal [01:17:30] and I think that you know if we hear the [01:17:33] hundred has to be 20 now I understand [01:17:35] the law we understand and simultaneous [01:17:38] simulcasting license [01:17:40] you have the other department [01:17:42] right now I think simultaneously is [01:17:44] available in the state casinos [01:17:46] Plainville Maybe [01:17:48] and if I'm not mistaken only any other [01:17:51] and if any other entity that has racing [01:17:55] in place but sometimes [01:17:57] zacharette so who is going to be able to [01:18:00] Disciple This and is that not [01:18:03] where all the money really is [01:18:05] there's no admission to this thing [01:18:09] almost all the money comes from the [01:18:11] batting online you say [01:18:13] would it even be much [01:18:14] Financial [01:18:16] loss to the full Enterprise [01:18:19] 20 events and all and almost nobody came [01:18:23] okay [01:18:25] simulcasting licenses [01:18:28] is that not [01:18:30] a lot of lobbying is going into changing [01:18:33] the law and writing it the way it's uh [01:18:44] the horse breeding and racing and [01:18:47] training does not have [01:18:49] it's a last week [01:18:56] don't do it because they're looking to [01:18:58] make [01:18:59] and so what the facility does [01:19:03] through the racehorse Development Fund [01:19:07] allows for the district [01:19:09] persons which allows those horse farms [01:19:13] all across the Commonwealth and Indian [01:19:14] Hardwick [01:19:16] a few things that Dr Dixon was talking [01:19:17] about it enables them to generate [01:19:20] Revenue that sustain s those corresponds [01:19:25] um simulcasting itself is where the [01:19:28] dollars are generated [01:19:29] and it is electronic there are similar [01:19:33] castings [01:19:34] through the [01:19:38] Empire but other people [01:19:40] can print and they still get a piece of [01:19:41] piece that goes through to the community [01:19:43] are the casinos [01:19:47] um [01:19:50] and anyone who is licensed under one [01:19:51] under 128a as of right now as far as I [01:19:54] know the only race Library race [01:19:57] application [01:20:01] so the answer is if there was somebody [01:20:04] else yeah they [01:20:06] did the conversation [01:20:09] this is us and you're right the money is [01:20:13] generated in one place and it is spent [01:20:15] in the other [01:20:17] I hope that answers your question [01:20:22] uh [01:20:26] right there [01:20:27] um [01:20:33] basically [01:20:35] so so I think what I'm here for most [01:20:37] people [01:20:38] it's like we're concerned the selecting [01:20:42] people [01:20:46] so we really hope that the selection [01:20:49] the flaps the odds for all of these [01:20:52] negative responses seriously [01:20:55] with that [01:20:57] I think a way to curb that would be [01:20:58] something like a local gaming commission [01:21:01] recently you'd have to work with it for [01:21:04] some of the people [01:21:07] what you're talking about 20 race days a [01:21:10] year like would that be something to do [01:21:12] with willing to entertain [01:21:15] so the answer last question [01:21:19] will be open to having some kind of [01:21:21] local group of people which is something [01:21:24] that we haven't proposed a hosted [01:21:27] Community agreement [01:21:29] would [01:21:31] um let me just correct you on one thing [01:21:33] in Sturbridge the selectman decided the [01:21:35] location and they voted to have that [01:21:38] it was the community that had to vote on [01:21:42] zoning because of the commercial zoning [01:21:44] of the site [01:21:45] so the [01:21:47] community of Sturbridge did not vote on [01:21:50] the trip on the license their vote was [01:21:52] on where [01:21:53] immersion and zoning [01:21:55] commercial development of a very large [01:21:58] commercial development and that's what [01:22:00] they voted against [01:22:01] they didn't vote against [01:22:07] courage [01:22:10] all right [01:22:11] um [01:22:13] response you're going to be the second [01:22:15] to last and then Mr logic is going to be [01:22:17] the last of this evening [01:22:19] too [01:22:21] um do some procedural things again it's [01:22:23] going to be here tomorrow night at 6 30. [01:22:26] same location so don't disruple share it [01:22:28] and everything Mrs Barnes and then Mr [01:22:30] Roger will be the last one [01:22:40] certain [01:22:41] adding any on the road after bobbing [01:22:44] from one to six pm [01:22:47] and yeah [01:22:50] I have concerns [01:22:53] I'm still standing on the road [01:22:55] of alcohol from one to six pm or the [01:23:00] roads are curvy and [01:23:03] for all furnace Hill it's [01:23:05] it's a recipe for dead sets do you have [01:23:08] to have alcohol [01:23:15] [Music] [01:23:17] we would likely apply for a one-day [01:23:20] license to the board and it would be [01:23:23] subject or whatever restrictions the [01:23:26] board places on is [01:23:29] at all so the answer is we would [01:23:32] probably look to serve something as part [01:23:35] of the amenities that are offered [01:23:42] Case by case [01:23:44] that wouldn't apply for it and explain [01:23:46] what we would do and [01:23:49] before I start as well I just want to [01:23:51] introduce the woman to my right is Mary [01:23:53] who if you've emailed or sent something [01:23:56] in is the person who is communicating [01:23:59] with folks saying to her and if you can [01:24:01] comment feel free to email and let us [01:24:04] know [01:24:12] a couple [01:24:14] questions [01:24:15] yeah one of them being that obviously [01:24:18] forces [01:24:19] are the pathways [01:24:21] for the courses you need [01:24:24] the money that this [01:24:25] is [01:24:30] basically [01:24:36] that's what happens [01:24:42] okay so the resource development [01:24:46] so those dollars [01:24:52] first money which supplies and pays for [01:24:56] the purses for the Beats whether people [01:24:58] attend the [01:25:00] those who [01:25:01] raised a question it was called [01:25:06] what if nobody attends a lot of these [01:25:08] races [01:25:09] you'd be surprised they [01:25:15] are the people who [01:25:17] associated with those horses people [01:25:20] wager on those horses horses they're [01:25:22] doing so on there [01:25:24] on their points because they are [01:25:26] some other piece of that but the dollars [01:25:30] that are generated [01:25:35] leading into the horse farmers [01:25:38] comes from the resource [01:25:45] reader to raise the horses [01:25:48] they do it doesn't come [01:25:50] racing [01:25:52] so so that you're right so [01:25:54] how do you continue to breathe and once [01:25:57] that cost [01:25:59] what happens [01:26:04] it's an evergreen fun but the answer [01:26:08] if the state has no money to do anything [01:26:10] then they won't do it and we'll have to [01:26:14] figure out a way to go through that I [01:26:15] don't perceive that [01:26:17] do that in this situation [01:26:20] all right thank you very much everyone [01:26:21] I'm going to pass I'm going to pass the [01:26:23] meeting back on that chair with the [01:26:24] queen [01:26:25] we didn't have a hard stuff sorry but [01:26:32] thank you for all of your comments and [01:26:34] questions [01:26:35] um anything that hasn't been answered [01:26:37] Council has taken down some notes we [01:26:40] have some notes and we'll try to come [01:26:42] prepared tomorrow night so procedurally [01:26:45] this is a public hearing [01:26:47] um we are not closing hearing we are [01:26:50] going to recess the hearing until [01:26:53] tomorrow night and we'll all sit here [01:26:55] again and answer questions and um [01:27:00] side there's a lot of concern I'll just [01:27:02] speak to the concern the board of [01:27:04] selectment does not have to vote on this [01:27:05] department [01:27:06] okay [01:27:08] um [01:27:09] obviously we want to keep the process [01:27:11] moving along whatever that process [01:27:14] if the board doesn't feel comfortable [01:27:15] with the information we have we don't [01:27:18] have to vote on it tomorrow [01:27:19] it doesn't mean we won't [01:27:25] um so uh tomorrow night people we're [01:27:28] going to recess the public hearing until [01:27:30] tomorrow night same time 6 30. if you [01:27:33] have questions in the meantime that [01:27:34] you'd like an answer to and the folks [01:27:37] the great network proponents will be [01:27:40] here tomorrow night to answer questions [01:27:42] as well please send your questions to [01:27:45] Nicole so with that being said I'll [01:27:48] entertain a motion to reset [01:27:50] public hearing until tomorrow night at 6 [01:27:53] 30. [01:27:54] I'll make a motion to recess the public [01:27:56] hearing until tomorrow night at 6 30 at [01:27:59] the same location Hardwick Elementary [01:28:00] School [01:28:04] it's been moved and seconds all in favor