$3 Million = 4,636 votes

Biddeford voters say ‘yes’ to racino

BIDDEFORD — By a large majority, Biddeford voters showed their support for the proposed Biddeford Downs Racino at the ballot box Tuesday.

With a turnout of 58 percent, voters endorsed the plan for a slot machine parlor and harness racing track by a margin of nearly 3-2. The plan still requires a contract with the city and regulatory and legislative approvals.

“I’m very pleased,” said Mayor Joanne Twomey, who threw her support behind the proposal. “I’m pleased for harness racing, and I’m pleased for Biddeford.

“People need jobs,” she said, “that’s what resonated.”

City Manager John Bubier, who also advocated for the development, said, “I think it certainly goes to the point that people are concerned about the economy and concerned about jobs.”

Bubier said he was pleased that a large majority approved the issue. The vote was 4,636 to 3,244 in favor of the racino. With a smaller approval rate, said Bubier, it might have been more difficult to move forward with the racino proposal.

He credited the mayor’s support and her hard work on the issue as a major reason voters approved the racino question. The proposal calls for building a facility to include a racetrack, entertainment complex, hotel and slot machines. The proposed site is a 71-acre city-owned parcel on the Andrews Road.

It was in August, without public discussion, that the City Council approved putting the racino question on the November ballot.

Proponents said that a racino would bring needed jobs and revenue to Biddeford and was vital to preserving the harness racing industry in Maine.

Opponents said they were concerned about the rush to decide the issue and wanted more details. They also raised environmental concerns and questioned what the effect would be of a racino on the city’s downtown mill district.

Ocean Properties is partnering with Scarborough Downs on the proposed Biddeford Downs Racino.

“We will be creating more than 500 good-paying, full-time jobs, hundreds of construction jobs and millions of dollars in revenue to the City of Biddeford and the state of Maine, while creating a wonderful destination that will celebrate Maine’s equestrian history,” said Tom Walsh, founder of Ocean Properties.

Scarborough Downs’ owner Sharon Terry said, “Partnering with Ocean Properties and the City of Biddeford on this project will save Maine harness racing and keep our industry robust. In addition, this project and harness racing are important in preserving open space and working family farms.

“I know I speak for thousands of Mainers on family farms associated with harness racing when I say, thank you to the residents of Biddeford.”

Twomey said this approval by city proposals is only the beginning. Negotiations will take place over contract details. Review by the Planning Board and regulatory approvals are also needed.

In addition, changes to state laws governing racinos are necessary.