City Council evaluates zoning language for new horse racing facility on capped landfill

The Leominster City Council meeting held on July 14, 2025, focused on two significant petitions, particularly petition 41-25, which seeks to amend zoning regulations to prohibit horse and dog racing in the city. The public hearing allowed community members to voice their opinions on the proposed changes.

Jonathan Silverstein, special counsel to the city, clarified that the council's role was not to approve a specific project but to determine if the zoning changes could allow a project to move forward for further approval. He emphasized that no detailed project designs would be presented until the zoning was approved, as developers typically do not invest in engineering costs without assurance of zoning approval.

The discussion also touched on the proposed horse racing facility, which is planned to be located on a capped landfill. Silverstein assured the council that environmental concerns would be managed by a licensed site professional and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). He noted that the facility would not include permanent structures on the landfill, addressing concerns about potential environmental impacts.

Additionally, Silverstein mentioned that the host community agreement would restrict access to the facility, ensuring that all traffic would be directed through a designated connector rather than Mechanic Street. He also highlighted that the city would receive $1.5 million in payments from the operation of the track in its first year.

The meeting underscored the complexities surrounding zoning changes and the potential implications for the community, as council members and residents grappled with the future of the proposed racing facility and its environmental considerations. The council will continue to deliberate on these issues as they move forward with the petitions.