Sen. Brochin questions constitutionality of off-track betting at Timonium fairgrounds

Sen. Jim Brochin has sent a letter to the state’s attorney general stating that he believes the Maryland Jockey  Club can not install racing simulcasts and off-track betting at the fairgrounds in Timonium without a referendum.

Many lawmakers and area residents said they were surprised by the news that the fairgrounds would offer off-track betting and expand its liquor license.

There will be a public-input meeting on Feb. 11 to discuss the plan. A previously scheduled meeting was postponed amid heavy snow and criticism that the public had not received enough notice of the plan.

“Our concerns rest with traffic on York and Timonium Roads, as well as the I-83 interchanges, the harm this will do to the family-friendly events that the Fairgrounds holds and the inevitable decrease in property values for neighboring communities, caused by greater alcohol sales, which will have unintended consequences, and a gambling element that will start frequenting other attractions near the Fairgrounds,” said Eric Rockel, the President of the Greater Timonium Community Council. “It could be the slippery slope to a full casino.”

Kach letter

County Councilman Wade Kach, who represents the area, said in a letter to the Maryland Racing Commission that he’s opposed to adding off-track betting at the fairgrounds.

“Much of the time, traffic in the area is already congested. The Maryland State Fair hosts numerous family friendly events every weekend, as well as many weekdays during the year,” he wrote. “Alcoholic beverages will be available at the SSBT starting early in the afternoon which, I believe, would compromise this family friendly atmosphere. In addition, this would increase the potential for impaired drivers.”

Zirkin letter

Sen. Bobby Zirkin, and Delegates Shelly Hettleman, Dan Morhaim and Dana Stein also wrote to the Racing Commission in opposition to the plan: “Such an operation will be detrimental to the community around the Fairgrounds. It will overburden the I-83 interchange, which is already heavily trafficked; it will change the character of the Fairgrounds themselves, which are currently oriented to family oriented events; and it will negatively impact property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Brochin letter

In a letter to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation asking for delay in the previously scheduled public-input meeting, Brochin and Delegates Susan Aumann and Chris West wrote: “As you may be aware, 10 years ago when slots became legal, the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium was considered as one of the potential sites. At the time, constituents in our district and surrounding areas were opposed and concerned about the traffic congestion that could occur. Consequently, our delegation carried their message to the Governor, State President, and Speaker of the House to take the Fairgrounds off the list of proposed slot locations, which they did.”

The Maryland Jockey Club did not respond to a request for comment.

The public-input meeting will be at 6 PM on Feb. 11 at the Maryland Fairgrounds. Details are here.