2008.07.31
Track faces foreclosure
Wonderland Greyhound Park sounds like a vacation spot for speedy, needle-nosed pooches.
But it is actually the biggest tax delinquent in the city of Revere, Mass., according to a report from the Boston Globe.
The racetrack owes more than a quarter million dollars in taxes accrued since 2006. It also owes almost $17,000 in overdue utility bills. The city has begun foreclosure proceedings.
Despite the delinquency, the track was granted renewals of its liquor and restaurant licenses and parking permits, in violation of city ordinances.
"Obviously there was an error here," Revere Mayor Thomas Ambrosino told the city council. "I assure you, once these liquor and parking licenses are up in December, they will not be issued if they're still delinquent."
The greyhound racing industry is in peril of becoming obsolete in Massachusetts. This fall voters will decide on a referendum that bans dog racing in the commonwealth.
That could be good and bad news for the sighthounds currently making the rounds at the two tracks left in Massachusetts. The best performing dogs will likely be transferred to other tracks, like the one in Cross Plains, W.V. or more invested states like Florida or Kansas. Some dogs will be placed with rescue groups in search of a new life as a pet.
The rest are not likely to have a happy ending.
As the proud pet parent of two retired racers, I am a staunch advocate for placing these wonderfully loving and docile dogs in homes when their careers have ended. The problem is there are never enough homes for these sweet pooches.
