LEOMINSTER — The Leominster City Council voted Monday night to schedule a public hearing on a proposed zoning amendment that would prohibit commercial horse or dog racing within city limits. The hearing will take place May 12 at 6:30 p.m.
The petition, filed by resident Lisa Nugent, calls for a ban on all forms of horse and dog racing and associated gambling or wagering activities. It comes in response to The Fairgrounds, a horse racetrack and community venue proposed by Baystate Racing, LLC and Whitney Companies earlier this year.
The amendment would define “racetrack” in the city’s zoning code and prohibit such uses in all zoning districts. It has been verified by at least 10 registered voters and will now go before the City Council’s Legal Affairs Committee following the hearing. A majority council vote would be required to approve the change.
Monday’s meeting drew residents both supporting and opposing The Fairgrounds project. Critics cited concerns over animal welfare, environmental risks, and the social impact of gambling. Supporters, including members of the “Our City Our Future” community group, highlighted the potential for over 350 jobs, $1 million in annual revenue, and a new venue for community events.
Baystate Racing has said it is committed to horse health and safety and sees the venue as a way to revitalize the area. In a separate interview, the Whitney Companies clarified that the racetrack will not involve dog racing, which has been banned in Massachusetts since 2010 under the Greyhound Protection Act.
Also during Monday’s meeting, city councilors requested that all correspondence related to The Fairgrounds project be shared with the full council rather than just the council president, in an effort to promote transparency and collaboration.
Next week, the Leominster Collective of Concerned Citizens (LCCC) will host a community Q&A forum on the issue. The event is scheduled for March 31 at 6 p.m. at First Church, 15 West St., and is open to the public.
