QUICK NOTE: Please share this petition but do not continue to donate to bump the post here on Change.org.  Donations are better served to continue purchasing lawn signs and we will need to do a mailer soon.  If you would like to donate to this cause, please reach out to Lisa via text at 978-870-2868.  I will be happy to provide you with our treasurer's Venmo.  Thanks very to all who have donated previously and in the future! It is greatly appreciated.

People in Leominster are lucky to be part of a wonderful, thriving, family centric, financially stable community. We thrive through our shared values and common goals. However, a new threat looms over us; a proposal by local developer Jim Whitney and Bay State Racing LLC to establish the Leominster Fairgrounds, a thoroughbred horse racetrack and off-track betting facility in the midst of our exceptional community. 

The introduction of such a facility harbors immense potential for negative repercussions. It has been noted that gambling establishments often contribute to increased crime and problem gambling in local communities, particularly in residential areas, as per a comprehensive report issued by the National Association of City Transportation Officials.

These facilities are also notorious for their negative environmental impacts, with increased traffic congestion and noise and light pollution adversely affecting the once serene and peaceful atmosphere characteristic of the location that is being considered.

The proposed location, the Mechanic Street landfill, is a currently stable and remediated landfill.  There will need to be significant alterations to the site to make it suitable for what is being proposed.  Of major concern is that the Mechanic Street landfill is situated in close proximity to the Nashua River.  Any tampering with the landfill itself might lead to catastrophic issues that would affect neighbors, local wildlife and contaminate water supplies.  

There is also the ethical and moral aspect of horse racing itself.  ALL horse racetracks suffer racing related fatalities.  While the proposal states that they will be holding 6 race days per year, the state mandate is currently 20.  Bay State Racing LLC claims that they will either get it amended, or not move forward with the proposal but regardless of the amount of race days held at the Leominster Fairgrounds thoroughbred race track, with off-track betting as the day to day feature, it means that Leominster would be supporting horse racing globally, every day that the facility is open.  

Not everyone will feel that it is crucial to keep Bay State LLC out of Leominster. Some will be more focused on any potential money, or jobs they will be promising to bring. But at what cost? Shouldn't the focus be keeping Leominster safe and thriving as the family-centric community we know and love? We need to step up! Especially for those that stand to suffer the most. Can you imagine being a home owner that's forced to abut to this? We urge everyone against this proposal to join us in defending our city by signing this petition. We implore Jim Whitney, Bay State Racing LLC, and local government officials to operate in the best interests of our community and its residents by fully understanding the implications and impacts, now and future, of this proposal. 

Make your voice heard, stand with us, and say no to the Leominster Fairgrounds, a thoroughbred horse racetrack and off-track betting facility by signing this petition. 

Want to REALLY IMPACT this outcome?  To do so, email all of the below. Send one simple email, with all in copy, stating who you are and that you are opposed.  

dmazzarella@leominster-ma.gov; pangelini@leominster-ma.gov; mbodanza@leominster-ma.gov; dcormier@leominster-ma.gov; pcormier@leominster-ma.gov; tardinger@leominster-ma.gov; brobbins@leominster-ma.gov; rtocci@leominster-ma.gov; SChalifouxZephir@leominster-ma.gov; cfreda@leominster-ma.gov; John.Cronin@masenate.gov; Natalie.Higgins@mahouse.gov;

Thank you.