The New Mexico Racing Commission met May 23rd in regards to a request for a discussion of application for 2009 racing dates in Moriarty, NM.
The Downs at Albuquerque is currently located at the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque, NM. They are seeking to relocate because the current space is not sufficiently large enough for their needs. Downs President Paul Blanchard is seeking to move the Downs to Moriarty where he has a purchase option on 500 acres of land at the intersection of I-40 and NM 41. Currently, the Fairgrounds receive $2 million dollars in annual rent with the lease running until 2010. Blanchard has indicated that he will pay off the lease if he gets the green light on this project.
The proposed $65,000,000 complex will consist of:
This would bring 400 jobs to Moriarty, a rural town located approximately 40 miles east of Albuquerque.
Supporters of this complex include Steve Anaya (city councilman), Jim Frost (Torrance county commissioner) and Dennis Wallin (attorney and owner of Buford Steak House)
Douglas Mills, representing the Homestead HOA, raised concerns at today's meeting. He mentioned Moriarty's lack of 24-hour medical facilities and the increased traffic on a two-lane road to the facilities. I spoke with Linda Caudell, President of the Homestead HOA, today and she replied that they also have concerns about public safety and the potential of increased DWIs.
The commission tabled the matter for further consideration. There is also the concern that the move might not be in compliance with the state's tribal gaming compacts.
Further resources on the web:
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Nice post! Lots of great info.
Ana - Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Ashley- Wow! This is an excellent post and very well done. Sounds like a great opportunity for the area, although it sounds like something that might meet with a fair amount of oppostition.
Christina - Thank you. It would bring much needed jobs and revenue to Moriarty on the one hand and on the other it might put a strain on the public works.
Ashley - growth is good - right? Thanks for another great post!
Ashley, this is great news..especially for Moriarty! My dad was a horseman and spoke of Moriarty a lot.
Cyndee - Growth is good and Moriarty certainly could use the new jobs. As long as the public safety issues are addressed this could be a good thing for the area.
Danny - The horseman are certainly supporting this move. The proposed center looks amazing.