GARDNER — On July 1, 2024 , the Gardner City Council will vote on whether to schedule a public hearing for a proposal to bring horse racing to the city.
This follows GAAMHA’s contingency agreement to sell its Carl E. Dahl House facility at 827 Green Street to Bay State Racing LLC for $1.6 million. GAAMHA, Inc. provides training, employment opportunities, and transportation services to individuals with disabilities and substance use disorders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Bay State Racing plans to transform the site into an equestrian center, which includes various horse-related activities, including racing.
This new proposal comes nearly a year after an attempt to rezone a different property off Route 140 for Bay State Racing was withdrawn.
The city council’s vote on July 1 is just the first step in a lengthy process that may or may not lead to horse racing’s arrival in the Chair City. If approved, an additional vote by the council would be needed to allow racing at the site. Following that, the state’s Gaming Commission would have to grant a racing license.
The council had initially planned to schedule a public hearing for the proposal within seven days of its June 17, 2024, meeting, but Councilor David Thibault-Munoz requested more time for study.
“I don’t think seven days is enough to gather information on the potential impact on wetlands or traffic,” Thibault-Munoz said.
In a letter to city councilors, Mayor Michael Nicholson urged the board to approve a host community agreement with Bay State Racing for a racetrack on the property, The Gardner News reported. Bay State Racing officials estimate the contract would generate $500,000 in annual revenue and create local jobs. Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas noted that the vote on this agreement would take place at a later city council meeting.
GAAMHA President and CEO Shawn Hayden said the sale would help his organization eliminate long-term debt, fund a new location, and expand programs.
“Our animal care facilities will also be expanded to provide increased care for the rescued and endangered livestock animals on our farm,” Hayden stated.
GAAMHA plans to maintain operations during the transition and is considering several new sites.
“We don’t plan on going far, and we have some options on the table now,” he added.
If the deal falls through, GAAMHA will continue at its current location.
