BIDDEFORD — A spokesman for one of the developers of the proposed Biddeford Downs racino said the group is “committed” to working toward building a harness racing track/slot machine facility in Biddeford.
Developer Ocean Properties LLC and Scarborough Downs are in the process of preparing a strategy on how to convince state voters to approve a referendum question in November to allow racinos at race harness facilities in Biddeford and Washington County, said Ocean Properties spokesman Richard Ade.
The two companies have proposed building a $120 million facility with harness racing, slot machine, and a hotel and entertainment complex in Biddeford.
Legislation that would have allowed the racino process to move forward was defeated last month by the state legislature. Because it’s a citizen initiated bill, the question automatically is placed on the November ballot.
On Thursday, the Secretary of State released proposed language for the referendum question.
It reads: “Do you want to allow a slot machine facility at a harness racing track in Biddeford and at a harness racing track in Washington County? (An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Deadline and Conditions for Municipal Approval of a Second Racino and To Allow a Tribal Racino in Washington County).”
The public has until Aug. 15 to submit written public comments to the Secretary of State on the question.
“From my perspective it’s certainly adequate,” said City Manager John Bubier about the question. It clarifies that allowing the Biddeford racino is an amendment to an existing law, he said.
“We’re pleased with the language,” said a spokeswoman for the developers, Crystal Canney, president of Canney Communications. “It’s very straightforward.”
Since the defeat of the bill in Augusta, developers have kept quiet about their plans regarding the Biddeford racino.
After the legislature’s vote last month, Mayor Joanne Twomey – a staunch advocate of the racino – called a press conference because she said she wanted to send a message to the developers that city officials still planned to fight for the racino.
In November 2010, 59 percent of those who voted in the general election in Biddeford, supported allowing a racino in the city.
“We are still prepared to work on behalf of the citizens of Biddeford to move this agenda along,” said Bubier.
On Friday, Ade said the developers will still push for a Biddeford racino.
“Our intention is to move forward,” he said. “Our commitment is to get this done in Biddeford.”
Currently, he said, developers are working on a strategy to convince Maine voters to give the go-ahead to racinos in Biddeford and Washington County.
Developers claim that a racino in Biddeford will create 800 construction jobs and bring to the area 500 jobs with an average pay of $30,000 plus benefits.
“The number of jobs, I think, are going to convince people, and the revenue to the state,” said Ade.
“This is a win-win for Biddeford and for the state,” he said.
— Staff Writer Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.
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