Baystate Racing LLC has formally submitted a Host Community Agreement (HCA) to the Leominster City Council. If approved, it would give the company control of the city-owned land at the former municipal landfill for a horse racing and gambling facility. The facility would include sports betting, simulcasting, and potentially internet gaming.

Under the proposed agreement, Baystate would receive a 99-year lease or ownership of the land for just $1, while the City assumes all major long-term risks—from serious environmental liabilities to traffic, noise, and policing burdens.

What’s Being Proposed?

• A horse racing track, sports bar, and sports betting venue
• Potential future expansion into internet gaming and other gambling
• Located directly on top of the Leominster landfill and adjacent Crossroads Office Park
• Requires state approvals and a change in state law (Article 97) to use public land

What’s in the Deal?

• Public land leased for nearly a century
• Baystate can walk away if it doesn’t get its way on approvals, but the City isn’t given that option
• Minimal revenue sharing: only 0.5% to 1% of net gambling profits
• Up to $1 million/year promised—but only if fully operational
• Opens door for expanded gambling and private control of public land

What’s NOT in the Deal?

• No public referendum
• No guaranteed jobs or local hiring commitments
• No binding protections against future gambling expansion
• No meaningful penalties if Baystate abandons the project

What You Can Do

Residents do not vote on the Host Community Agreement (HCA) directly, but that doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. The agreement is not final until it is approved by a majority vote of the City Council, after a public hearing, and signed by the Mayor. The HCA requires at least seven days public notice must be given before the a public hearing, so watch the City’s website, Clerk’s office, and local media closely.

• Contact your City Councilors now and demand they vote NO on the Fairgrounds’ HCA.
• Attend the public hearing and make your voice heard.
• Share this information with friends, neighbors, and community groups.

This Is NOT a Done Deal.

The City Council has the power to stop this. The agreement cannot move forward without their approval.

We urge residents to demand transparency, accountability, and protection of public assets.

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dumpthefairgrounds will monitor local government activity and update this page with meeting agendas and dates.

read the full text of Baystate’s Host Community Agreement here

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