Voters in Hardwick, Massachusetts resoundingly rejected a proposal that would put a thoroughbred horse racing and gambling facility at the Great Meadowbrook Farm.
About 57 percent of the town’s approximate 3,056 residents cast ballots. An unofficial count had 312 in favor and 830 against.
“We’re disappointed,” project proponent John Stefanini said in a television interview. “We will need to regroup and consider our next options. Hardwick is a beautiful community.”
He said the group could either resubmit the plans and try and get the proposal approved, look for an alternative site, or ditch the idea completely. Stefanini said they will probably make a decision by February 24.
Stefanini is an attorney and former state representative who spearheaded a five-person Racing Oversight Board. That group had applied to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for a license to operate a horse racing track at the 400-acre farm.
But voters were vocal in their opposition. On the day of the election, many held signs near the voting booths to show their displeasure. Many said the proposal would have created traffic issues and violate an agriculture restriction placed on the farm.
This wasn’t the first time the project was met with resistance. In October, those against the plan packed board meetings to speak in opposition. They also presented a petition that had been signed by hundreds of residents.
Supporters of the project said it would be economically beneficial to the community. In addition to the racetrack, the plans also called for a horse breeding and training program. The investment was estimated at $20 million.
Massachusetts has not had live thoroughbred racing since 2019, when Boston’s Suffolk Downs shuttered its track. Ironically, one of the investors of the Hardwick track was an owner at Suffolk Downs.
The state does have one place where people can see live horse racing, but it is harness racing at Plainridge Park Casino.
