No Horse Racing Leominster, MA grassroots organizer Lisa Nugent dismantles the claims made by developer Jim Whitney in a recent podcast appearance — raising critical concerns about public safety, environmental risks, and false economic promises.

On June 10th, Lisa Nugent, founder of the “No Horse Racing in Leominster” group, appeared on The Hank Zone podcast to present a fact-driven case against the Baystate Racing fairgrounds proposal. From environmental dangers buried beneath the capped landfill to misleading revenue promises, her interview offered what the developers haven’t: transparency.

About a month earlier on May 7th, developer Jim Whitney took to the same show, promising Leominster a shiny “multi-use fairgrounds” and guaranteed riches. But Lisa quickly revealed the fine print:

• The $1M annual revenue to the city? Only if a racetrack becomes operational (which is highly unlikely).
• 35 – 40 full-time (low wage) jobs projected — not 70. The rest are seasonal or transient.
• The landfill is unlined, highly toxic, and potentially hazardous if disturbed — posing serious risks to nearby homes and water sources.

Lisa’s message was clear: this isn’t anti-progress. It’s pro-accountability. And no marketing flyer, no slick brochure, and no vague “yes for fairgrounds” slogan changes the facts.

📢 Listen to the full episode here → https://on.soundcloud.com/RgQK2FrrLBM4bwidzu
👚 Opposed? Wear red and join us on June 16 and 23 at City Hall.