BIDDEFORD — In a 6-3 vote Tuesday, the Biddeford City Council approved a resolution asking the Maine Legislature to amend state gambling laws to allow the proposed Biddeford Downs racino to move forward.
Councilors Patricia Boston, Jim Emerson and Clement Fleurent opposed the resolution, with Boston offering an alternate resolution to send the changes to a citizen’s referendum in November.
“We’re passing something we don’t know the consequences of,” said Boston.
As proposed, Biddeford Downs, being developed by Scarborough Downs and New Hampshire-based Ocean Properties, would include a harness racing facility, slot machines and a hotel and entertainment complex.
In order for the proposed $125 million Biddeford Downs project to go forward, changes to state statute are needed.
When the 2003 statewide referendum allowing racinos in Maine passed, the deadline for a community to approve the racino was at the end of that year. A change to extend that deadline is needed.
In addition, a law that prohibits gambling facilities within 100 miles of the proposed Oxford Country casino approved by state voters last year must be changed.
Emerson said he opposed the resolution asking the legislature to support the changes because “our state is a referendum state.” He said gambling-related issues have always gone to the people and the proposed changes should go on the November ballot.
City Council President Bob Mills disagreed, however, saying, “I don’t agree with a statewide approval for city projects.” The resolution will send a clear message that the majority of residents and the council voted for Biddeford Downs, he said.
Fleurent said he objected to language in the resolution stating the Biddeford Downs proposal won “overwhelming support” in November. The referendum won with about 60 percent of Biddeford voters in support.
“I don’t want my name on that resolution,” said Fleurent.
Mayor Joanne Twomey, a former state representative, said a resolution from a City Council carries weight in the state capitol.
“This has been emotional,” said the mayor. She said she favors the proposed racino because revenue and jobs for Biddeford residents are desperately needed.
Scarborough Downs owner Sharon Terry said she was “pleased to see the continued support of the City Council” and “hopeful that the legislature will make the change in the law around distance to allow the project to move forward.”
If the legislature fails to make the changes needed to move the Biddeford racino proposal forward, the necessary signatures to put the changes on the state ballot have been filed with the state ethics commission.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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