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Delegates press county exec on future of Laurel Racetrack site
Summary
Delegates asked County Executive Stuart Pittman about plans for the Laurel Racetrack property; Pittman said talks with the Stronach Group and planning work point to transit-oriented housing with preserved open space, and he noted wetland and grading constraints limit development options.
Delegates pressed the county executive on what will happen to the Laurel Racetrack land when racing operations end. Delegate Lehman said constituents are worried about future development and asked how the county has zoned the site and what the county envisions.
County Executive Stuart Pittman said economic-development staff have been in contact with the Stronach Group, which still owns the property, and that a plan the county has seen emphasizes housing, open space and transit orientation. He said the design anticipates wetlands and grading constraints that limit developable acreage and would favor significant open-space and trail components while retaining some of the site’s racetrack history in the design.
Lehman and other delegates noted uncertainty about possible racing training-center uses and confirmed that site constraints had been raised previously. Pittman characterized most of the talk about alternative uses as exploratory at this stage and said the county will share details as plans solidify.
Why it matters: Laurel Racetrack is a large, visible parcel whose future use will affect nearby communities in Maryland City, Russett and other Laurel-area neighborhoods. Delegates said they want to be kept informed and urged county coordination with state-level partners as the site’s status evolves.
Next steps: Pittman said county economic development will continue outreach and promised to keep the delegation informed about proposals and constraints affecting potential redevelopment.
