The ongoing saga of Green Mountain Race Track continues

Print Story | Email Story
Is gambling “a losing dream”? There is one thing people on either side of the issue agree on: the need to develop the long-dormant Green Mountain Racetrack in Pownal. Bringing new life to the facility will create much-needed jobs and stimulate the region’s economy. The rift isn’t in the need for development but what form it will take. On one side are those who see restoration of the track — for thoroughbred racing or as a training and stable facility — as vital. In this view, easing up state restrictions on simulcasting will make Green Mountain more appealing to developers and allow for profit year round. Those who oppose simulcasting, including animal rights activists and former Governor Howard Dean, have expressed concerns that simulcasting in Pownal will open a Pandora’s box of legalized gambling and inhumane conditions like those that once existed at the track. Last week Governor James Douglas revealed that his support for the revitalization of Green Mountain Racetrack is not as absolute as statements made during his campaign led many to believe. Douglas’ press secretary said the governor did not support a piece of legislation put forth by Sen. Dick Sears (D-Bennington) and Sen. James R. Greenwood (R-Essex-Orleans County). This bill would allow simulcasting at the track; current state law prohibits simulcasting at tracks where there is no live racing. The bill is an attempt, should the developers decide to proceed with racing at the track, to bring jobs back to the Pownal area, said Sen. Sears. The simulcasting will be similar to that offered in Hinsdale and Hoosick Falls, N.Y., he said. He expressed surprise at the governor’s position. “The critical thing is to bring back jobs,” he said. Because the building is privately owned, the state doesn’t have the ability to make that happen. “I’d like to work with the owners to see what they want there.” The state and private developers need to partner up and work together, he said. Green Mountain is privately owned by investors, including John Tietgens of Clarksburg, Mass. Tietgens has expressed interest in developing the facility into a thoroughbred racing track or a training facility. One group, Save the Greyhound Dogs Inc., is pleased with the governor’s stance, especially his vocal opposition to greyhound racing. “It made me feel good that he knows we're poised for battle,” said Scotti Devens, the group’s founder and director. “Hopefully we can work with new administration but we have an agenda and it's very justifiable. “Our agenda is certainly anti-greyhound racing, but that's the tip of iceberg,” she said.. Though greyhound racing has not been raised by any developers — and such races are illegal under state law — Devens said simulcasting and horse racing in Pownal poses a real threat. The greyhound racing industry, “with all their money,” might seek to bring more people in and make a larger profit by bringing back greyhound simulcasting or racing, said Devens. If Save the Greyhounds did not speak out against plans for reviving the track, “we would be turning our back on people in other states who want to see this abusive practice ended,” she said. In 1995, Devens’ group successfully lobbied the legislature to ban greyhound racing in Vermont. Three years prior to the ban, Green Mountain closed; the Racing Commission had threatened to revoke the track’s license if it didn’t improve the greyhounds’ deplorable living conditions of disease, injury and malnourishment. Sen. Sears noted that, like most representatives and senators in Vermont, he voted for the ban on greyhound racing. He called Devens’ concerns “a leap of logic” — for greyhound racing to return would still require a change in Vermont law, he said. The simulcasting bill he introduced last week, currently in the General Affairs and Housing Committee, is not about greyhound racing, he reiterated. Still, Devens reservations go beyond concerns about greyhounds; “Thoroughbred racing is a step in the wrong direction,” she said. “History has shown us...it didn’t do well in Vermont.” Green Mountain Racetrack opened as a thoroughbred track in 1963. When the owners lost money in the first year of operation, they looked for other ways to turn a profit. They introduced harness racing and then, in 1977, greyhound racing. The governor has said that the facility is there so why not use it, said Devens. “Isn't that a poor way to back into something desirable and profitable?” Just because the building is there, is that the way to create jobs and put something in for the community to embrace? Devens added that the rundown facility would need a lot of work before it was operational. Gambling is a “losing dream,” said Devens. She wondered how, with its dismal reputation, anyone could want to revive the track except to create new jobs. She added that racetrack jobs “leave more than a lot to be desired.” Devens said she would like to see developers pursue a healthy alternative that would both create good jobs and bring people into the area for extended stays. Two ideas she mentioned were a recreational facility to attract people of all incomes or a facility for concerts. She added that she respects the need for jobs “but not on the backs and feet of helpless animals.” “It’s like building a house with no foundation and no roof to even consider bringing this back,” she said. Asked about Devens’ charges that reviving the track will be unsuccessful, Sears said, “That's all smokescreen in my view. Her [Deven’s] interest is in making sure greyhounds don't come back.” He added that if Tietgens sold the facility to a developer who wished to put in a museum like MASS MoCA, a learning center, or another business, he would be supportive. “These are all possibilities,” he said. While he expected some opposition, Sears expressed concern about groups like Ms. Devens’ that he said are “jumping to a lot of conclusions that aren't there.” “I’ve been clear about opposing slot machines in the future,” he said. “Let me be clear that I don't see greyhound racing in the future.”
Share
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course. 
 
The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication. 
 
"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."
 
LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates. 
 
"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.
 
The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.
 
"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back. 
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories

Schools
image description

New McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

Schools
Community News
image description

Companion Corner: Weber at No Paws Left Behind

Community News
Business
image description

Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New

Business
Business
image description

North Adams Jewelry Store Has New Owner

Business
Community News
image description

North Adams Water Safe to Drink

Community News
Community News
image description

North Adams Lifts Boil Water Order for Most of City

Community News
Latest Stories
Previous Next

What's Trending?