SCARBOROUGH — The developer who has proposed a new town center near Scarborough Downs will begin a petition drive this fall aimed at gaining local approval for slot machines at the harness racing track.
Gene Beaudoin, a partner in Feldco Development Corp. of New Canaan, Conn., who introduced his concept for Scarborough Village to the Town Council Thursday night, said the petition drive will begin after a series of public information meetings.
Scarborough Village would bring a Main Street atmosphere to the area around the racetrack and would have a new public safety building, a community center and senior housing, as well as office and retail complexes.
Town officials said Beaudoin's development group, which includes Sharon Terry, the racetrack's president, needs at least 2,206 valid signatures to put the slots question before Scarborough voters. The vote could occur during the general election on Nov. 4 or during a special election next year.
Beaudoin, who developed the new Cabela's store in Scarborough, said he is still not certain whether his group will target the November election, but he said he has no doubt that racino supporters will be able to gather enough signatures.
Revenue from the slot machines would help to raise the estimated $20 million needed to install sewer, water and power lines on the 235-acre tract between Route 1, Haigis Parkway and Payne Road.
Tthe lack of infrastructure "is one of the main reasons why this Scarborough Downs land has not been developed," Beaudoin told about 30 people.
No one in the audience spoke during Beaudoin's presentation, but a couple of town councilors offered remarks.
Chairman Jeffrey Messer said he had received telephone calls from residents who are concerned about Beaudoin's proposal. In 2003, voters approved a statewide ballot question that allowed slot machines at or near harness racing tracks. Scarborough voters defeated a proposal to allow slots in their town.
"It's fairly obvious that with a racino being brought up again, it has created a lot of angst. I've received a lot of phone calls from people saying you have got to stop this," Messer said.
Messer said he remains undecided about the issue.
Councilor Michael Wood said, "As a complete package, there is a lot here to keep my interest."
Beaudoin estimates the racino alone would be valued at $200 million. Messer said the town could potentially receive $10 million a year, from taxes on the property and gaming machines.
However, after the meeting, Messer said the group will have several hurdles.
It would first have to win acceptance from Scarborough voters. Then, the Legislature and Gov. John Baldacci would have to approve.
Earlier in the day, David Farmer, a spokesman for the governor, said state and local voters have repeatedly opposed more slot machines in Maine.
"The governor does not support the expansion of slot machine gambling in the state" and would likely veto any legislation that would allow it, Farmer said.
Casinos No!, a group that has fought legalized gambling in the state, would gear up to oppose slot machines in Scarborough, its executive director said.
"They tried it in 2000 and they tried it in 2003 and I don't detect any change in attitude," Dennis Bailey said. "I think we've settled that issue and we should move on."
Beaudoin said that before the petition drive starts his group will host several forums at which residents can offer feedback on the plan.
In about a week, Beaudoin said, residents will receive a brochure in the mail that describes the project in greater detail.
He said a project of such scale would take about 20 years.
Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:
dhoey@pressherald.com
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