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.â€
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.â€
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.â€
“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.â€
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.â€
“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.â€
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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