Palmer Racetrack or Casino ??

[biovic]

For those of you in Massachusetts (MA from here on out, I hate spelling my State) you probably know that Governor Patrick is a proponent of casino gambling and up to 3 new casinos to be built in MA. Now, this has to be approved by the legislature, but read on. I heard today on a reputable radio station (WBUR) in an interview that one of the prime town locations being considered and by the Mohican Sun (in CT) owner, is Palmer! :o
Yes, the same small town that NER SCCA is planning to build the new motorsports racing facility. I hope it is not the same parcel of land (although I doubt it because I think that NER already owns the land).
So what would a mega Casino resort in the same town mean for our track? Is this good or bad? I for one think it's bad, for these reasons: Traffic (coming and going in all directions), higher cost of hotels.
Dick or anyone have factual information?
Others opinions are of course always welcome.

Victor
#03 Acura Integra

Acura of Peabody
HMS motorsport
Koni

[supersmile]

I believe the casino property is adjacent to NER's parcel. I see it as a good thing, since there are very few motels near the proposed track at the moment. Yes, the casino's hotel will be pricey, but they'll be cheaper chain motels setting up nearby. (Although I live close enough to drive home for lunch!)

It&#39;ll also give us a place to gamble away our winnings <G>

[dickita15]

The proposed Palmer casino site is 150 acres adjacent to the turnpike exit. The racetrack is a 658 acre parcel on the other side of town. The track site is 9-12 miles from the exit (depending is you use the short route or the good roads).
The casino proposal is a billion dollar project including a flyover bridge so traffic from the turnpike does not go on any surface streets.
My first thought upon hearing about the casino proposal a month or so ago was that we were moved off the front page locally and that is good news for permitting.
I have found that investor interest has increased though since the casino news came out.
The casino is still a big long shot. While Palmer has been getting most of the publicity in western mass there are other communities, probably with more clout in Boston, maneuvering for the deal, and of course there are neighboring towns that are upset that will have to be paid off.
I see hotel room as a plus and the casino would make the track more attractive for corporate event rentals but other than that I am not sure it really matters.

[JLawton]

Gee, first racing, then gambling. All we need now is to have Palmer legalize prostitution and it will be a slam dunk!! :D

[Knestis]

It&#39;s been my (limited) experience that casino hotels (e.g., Biloxi, MS before Katrina washed them away) are more affordable than the same quality hotel without the big cash vacuums on the first floor. I think it would be a good thing.

We also used to have good relationships with the Indian casinos in WA State, when I was rallying. They tended to be out in the boonies and had much better facilities - conference rooms, restaurants, etc. - than other options in the same area. It was a gas though, watching the valets part big POS &#39;merican cars full of McDonald&#39;s bags and empty beer cans...

...while open class Mitsubarushis queued up in parc ferme in the front lot.

K