Leominster City Council votes to prohibit horse and dog racing operations

The Leominster City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to address several key petitions, including a significant proposal to prohibit horse and dog racing within the city. The meeting began with a discussion on Petition 41-25, presented by Lisa Nugent of 45 Beth Avenue, which sought to ban all forms of racing and associated wagering in Leominster.

Council President and legal counsel agreed to waive the full reading of the petition, referencing a previous public hearing where the matter was discussed. The council's legal affairs committee unanimously recommended approval of the petition, emphasizing the importance of clarity in the zoning ordinance. The council noted that horse and dog racing is currently not permitted under existing zoning laws, but adding explicit language would enhance specificity.

During the debate, several council members expressed their support for the petition, citing community sentiment against racing and gambling. Councilor David Cormier acknowledged the need for clarity in the ordinance, while Councilor Arringer raised concerns about the implications of the petition, suggesting it might serve as a distraction from broader gambling issues. Despite differing opinions, the majority of councilors voiced their support, leading to a roll call vote that resulted in an 8-1 approval of Petition 41-25.

The council then moved on to Petition 52-25, which involved a protest against Petition 47-25, aimed at creating a fairgrounds overlay district. The city clerk confirmed that the protest met the requirement of 20% of abutters, which necessitated a supermajority of seven votes for any decision regarding the proposal. The council acknowledged the procedural implications of this protest, indicating that the upcoming vote on Petition 47-25 would require careful consideration due to the heightened voting threshold.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing community concerns regarding racing and gambling, while also navigating the complexities of zoning regulations. The council's next steps will involve further discussions on the fairgrounds overlay district, as they continue to engage with constituents on these pressing issues.