Downs, Ocean Prop. partner for racino
Scarborough Downs has partnered with Portsmouth, N.H.-based developer Ocean Properties to propose a hotel, entertainment and racino complex in Biddeford.
The Scarborough harness-racing track in August announced a tentative plan to relocate to Biddeford and offer slot machines, and city councilors there agreed to ask voters in a November referendum if they would support a racino. The proposed Biddeford Downs Racino would include harness racing, slot machines and an entertainment venue, as well as preserve over 100,000 acres of farmland, according to a press release from public relations firm Canney Communications. The release did not specify how much the project would cost, but did say it would generate millions in tax revenues and create 500 full-time jobs. Scarborough Downs has pushed to allow slot machines at its track, saying it needs the revenue to support operations, but voters there in 2008 narrowly defeated a referendum to allow slot machines.
Ocean Properties owns a number of resorts in Maine, including the Samoset Resort in Rockport, the Harborside Hotel & Marina and the Bar Harbor Regency Hotel & Marina in Bar Harbor, and the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks. Founder Tom Walsh has also proposed a $12 million hotel in Bar Harbor, which was approved in April. The company had been negotiating with the city of Portland to revamp the Maine State Pier, a $100 million project, but bowed out in January 2009 citing other commitments. The Walsh family has been involved in the harness racing industry for three decades, according to the release.
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