Group wants take on racino costs

Group wants take on racino costs
BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
Saturday, April 7, 2012

Slot machine foes fight Plainridge plans
PLAINVILLE - A citizens group opposed to slot machines at Plainridge Racecourse is asking that the town have a cost-benefit analysis done on gambling, but selectmen say they already intend to hire an expert to do the study.

The new group, "No Plainville Racino," is fighting a plan to bring about 1,250 slot machines to Plainridge.

The track has made clear it intends to apply for a state slot machine parlor or racino license, and has asked selectmen to start negotiating a local agreement.

Jennifer Crimmins Keen of Taunton Street said the group is opposed to a racino, but if one gets approved the group wants to make sure it's a good deal for the town.

A cost-benefit analysis would help determine if the expected revenue to the town from gambling would outweigh the cost of additional police and fire services, along with traffic and social problems, she said. "We want to make sure the town gets its fair share," she said.

The group has submitted a petition asking for a town meeting vote to approve a cost-benefit analysis.

The proposal reads:

"To see if the town will vote to require the board of selectmen to obtain an independent cost-benefit analysis about the impact of a slot machine parlor on the residents of Plainville. This analysis would be obtained prior to and-or concurrent with negotiations for a host community agreement for a Class 2 gaming license in Plainville, and made public prior to any town-wide referendum on any host community agreement."

But, selectmen Chairman Rob Rose said the board already plans to have such a study done.

He said Town Administrator Joseph Fernandes is talking to academics who have studied the gambling industry, asking advice on how to find a consultant to do the work for the town. "Basically, that is the whole crux of what is going to happen," he said.

Rose said a request for proposals will be published asking consultants to apply for the work.

The consultant will be paid for through Plainridge funds.

Keen said the group will also hold an open house April 29 at the senior center to provide residents with information about the impact of a racino.

She said the group fears that most residents consider the racino "a done deal" before it has been learned what kind of jobs gambling will provide and what negative impact it could have on the town.

Plainridge has opened a public information office on South Street to provide residents with information about its proposal, including plans to build a parking garage and larger facility.

Track President Gary Piontkowski said he intends to be as open as possible with residents as the application process progresses.