• Helps drive ongoing economic revitalization in the city bringing in new patrons for local restaurants and small businesses.
• Agricultural collaborations and programs with Mount Wachusett Community College and GAAMHA.
• Creates a venue for functions and events.
• $25 million in new capital investment.
• Creates 15-25 permanent and more than 100 temporary jobs in the community.
• Millions of dollars in new revenue from the sale of property, real estate and gaming taxes, and community benefits to the City of Gardner.
• Preserves open space and connects with the North Central Pathway.

• Collaborating with GAAMHA on equestrian training for clients and providing retired racehorses for therapeutic programs.
• Partnering with Mount Wachusett Community College Pathway for Jobs, and around agricultural and veterinarian tech training modules.

• Community meetings and public input
• Approval of site for thoroughbred racing
• Execution of Host Community Agreement
• Application to Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC)
• Hearing by MGC in Gardner on application
• Adjudicatory Hearing & Suitability by MGC
• MGC vote on application
• Gardner permitting process, including the Conservation Commission
• Application for a building permit
• Annual report to Mayor and Council on facility operations

Background

• A Host Community Agreement (HCA) is a standard term for a contract between a municipality and an entity. It outlines expectations, finances, timeframe, responsibilities of both groups. This document gives the residents of the city control over the project.
• Baystate Racing, LLC submitted a draft to the Mayor on Monday, May 6, 2024.

Benefits for Gardner

• Provides for yearly payments of approximately $500,000 and a $10,000 non-refundable payment for municipal expenses in reviewing the project.
• Pays the city $50,000 within 30 days after receiving all licenses and permits.
• Pays for all peer reviews and consulting costs for independent professionals hired by the city.
• Pays for all police, fire and EMS details on festival days, and any other impacts on the city.
• Creates 10 to 30 permanent and more than 100 temporary jobs for residents.
• Hosts at least one community event per year at the Bay State Park, such as fundraisers for local charities, sports teams, or schools.
• Program for local residents preferred access at all festivals. 
• Creates an “Ag in the Classroom” program for students and a mentoring program to provide jobs for local graduates of agricultural schools. 
• Donates $20,000 annually to a local or regional non-profit/charity that directly benefits Gardner.
• Preserves open space and connected existing trails. Baystate shall provide easy access from the equine center to the North Central Pathway.
• Pays engineers and architects for new GAAHMA facility.

Local Regulations & Control

• Baystate shall collect horse manure, store it in a covered container or facility, and then disposed of it offsite. In addition, Baystate shall strictly follow all related environmental and conservation regulations.
• Baystate will work with the Mayor to plant 500 trees throughout Gardner.
• Includes one member of the community appointed by the Mayor on Baystate’s Racing and Oversight Committee, that reviews and makes recommendations to the Mayor and Council each year on the operation of the Bay State Park.
• Commits to never apply for a casino license. 
• If payments are not made in a timely manner, Gardner charges Baystate a penalty equal to 5% of the overdue payment. 
• Pays for traffic impacts, including transportation and parking management plans, and peer review of those plans.
• Sets limits on festival days: 20 days per year and no more.
• Baystate will not transfer or assign its commitments in this contract without permission from the City of Gardner.