Leominster residents voice opposition to proposed horse racing facility at toxic landfill

The Leominster City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, focused heavily on public opposition to a proposed horse racing entertainment facility at the Cap Landfill on Mechanic Street. Residents expressed deep concerns regarding the potential health risks and environmental impacts associated with the project.

Mary Gleeson, speaking on behalf of her mother-in-law, highlighted the dangers posed by the landfill, which contains carcinogenic materials linked to serious health issues. She urged council members to consider the implications of allowing such a facility in their neighborhoods, emphasizing the potential for harmful chemicals to affect local residents.

Larry Williams, another resident, echoed these sentiments, arguing that introducing horse racing and gambling would negatively alter the community's dynamics. He expressed a desire to maintain the character of Leominster, which he described as a thriving community.

Lisa Nugent raised procedural concerns, urging the council to ensure that Bay State Racing discloses all relevant information before any agreements are signed. She referenced legal provisions that could allow Leominster to prohibit horse racing on city-owned land, suggesting that the council should take a firm stance against the proposal.

Several other residents, including Caitlin Smith and Nadine Anderson, provided testimonies detailing the environmental hazards of the landfill and the broader societal issues associated with gambling. They warned that the project could exacerbate existing problems, such as pollution and public health risks, while also increasing gambling-related issues in the community.

The meeting concluded with a strong call from multiple speakers for the council to reject the proposal, emphasizing the need to prioritize community health and safety over potential economic gains from the racetrack. The council is expected to deliberate on the matter further, with residents urging them to consider the long-term implications of their decision.