Businesses, unions unite for Dixon Downs project
Article Launched: 08/17/2005 07:19:57 AM
A fight to the finish
Businesses, unions unite for Dixon Downs
By David Henson/Staff Writer
There's a new dog - er, horse - in the race over Dixon Downs.
An alliance of local businesses and labor unions calling itself the Coalition for Dixon Downs has organized to counter a group of citizens opposed to the proposed thoroughbred horse racing and entertainment complex.
"Dixon Downs is a tremendous opportunity for our community," said Gordon Hammond, president of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce. "The coalition came together to make sure our city leaders know there is a great deal of support not only from the business community, but with residents as well."
The coalition plans to work closely with Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp. to promote the company's proposed complex on 260-acres southwest of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Pedrick Road. Coalition members plan to organize a vendor fair with Magna to show local merchants and contractors the business opportunities that Dixon Downs would bring to the city.
In addition, the coalition maintains that local residents have been getting information on the racetrack that is based on emotion, rather than fact.
Since late spring, the Dixon Citizens for Quality Growth have generated sizable opposition to Magna's proposed racetrack, and the coalition apparently hopes to undo that negativity.
"There is a lot of disinformation going on out there and a lot of hysteria," said Hammond.
As an example, Hammond pointed to fears that slot machines will one day be allowed at the racetrack, calling it a "red herring" issue. If state law changes to allow slots, the gambling machines could be put anywhere, he said.
Hammond said the coalition will ensure that the community has the "indisputable facts" about the Dixon Downs proposal.
However, Gail Preston, a leader of the quality growth group opposed to the track, said her group's concerns are backed up by facts, which are provided to council members each time members speak at meetings.
"One member has spoken before the city council six times and each time handed them evidence to back up every single statement made," Preston said. "We would furnish it to anyone."
Hammond countered that the questions raised by the quality growth group largely will be answered in the project's environmental impact report, which is due out in the coming weeks.
"When the environmental impact report comes out, the whole project will stand on its own," Hammond said.
Nevertheless, opposition has mounted in recent weeks as the quality growth group announced it had gathered 1,500 signed letters from Dixon residents opposed to the track. The local chapter of the Sierra Club also has become involved in fighting the project.
The business and labor coalition warns that rejecting Dixon Downs will undercut future development.
"If we chase off Magna, what other business will want to come to Dixon?" Hammond asked.
The coalition grew out of conversations with Downtown Dixon Business Association President Rob Salaber and eventually expanded to include two local union chapters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Plumbers and Steamfitters.
While the pairing of unions and business organizations might be unusual, Hammond said each group favors the project for the jobs and economic benefits it will bring to the city and its residents.
"If we get the message out there that this will improve the quality of life in Dixon, people will jump on the bandwagon," Hammond said.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
A fight to the finish
Businesses, unions unite for Dixon Downs
By David Henson/Staff Writer
There's a new dog - er, horse - in the race over Dixon Downs.
An alliance of local businesses and labor unions calling itself the Coalition for Dixon Downs has organized to counter a group of citizens opposed to the proposed thoroughbred horse racing and entertainment complex.
"Dixon Downs is a tremendous opportunity for our community," said Gordon Hammond, president of the Dixon Chamber of Commerce. "The coalition came together to make sure our city leaders know there is a great deal of support not only from the business community, but with residents as well."
The coalition plans to work closely with Ontario, Canada-based Magna Entertainment Corp. to promote the company's proposed complex on 260-acres southwest of the intersection of Interstate 80 and Pedrick Road. Coalition members plan to organize a vendor fair with Magna to show local merchants and contractors the business opportunities that Dixon Downs would bring to the city.
In addition, the coalition maintains that local residents have been getting information on the racetrack that is based on emotion, rather than fact.
Since late spring, the Dixon Citizens for Quality Growth have generated sizable opposition to Magna's proposed racetrack, and the coalition apparently hopes to undo that negativity.
"There is a lot of disinformation going on out there and a lot of hysteria," said Hammond.
As an example, Hammond pointed to fears that slot machines will one day be allowed at the racetrack, calling it a "red herring" issue. If state law changes to allow slots, the gambling machines could be put anywhere, he said.
Hammond said the coalition will ensure that the community has the "indisputable facts" about the Dixon Downs proposal.
However, Gail Preston, a leader of the quality growth group opposed to the track, said her group's concerns are backed up by facts, which are provided to council members each time members speak at meetings.
"One member has spoken before the city council six times and each time handed them evidence to back up every single statement made," Preston said. "We would furnish it to anyone."
Hammond countered that the questions raised by the quality growth group largely will be answered in the project's environmental impact report, which is due out in the coming weeks.
"When the environmental impact report comes out, the whole project will stand on its own," Hammond said.
Nevertheless, opposition has mounted in recent weeks as the quality growth group announced it had gathered 1,500 signed letters from Dixon residents opposed to the track. The local chapter of the Sierra Club also has become involved in fighting the project.
The business and labor coalition warns that rejecting Dixon Downs will undercut future development.
"If we chase off Magna, what other business will want to come to Dixon?" Hammond asked.
The coalition grew out of conversations with Downtown Dixon Business Association President Rob Salaber and eventually expanded to include two local union chapters, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Plumbers and Steamfitters.
While the pairing of unions and business organizations might be unusual, Hammond said each group favors the project for the jobs and economic benefits it will bring to the city and its residents.
"If we get the message out there that this will improve the quality of life in Dixon, people will jump on the bandwagon," Hammond said.
David Henson can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.
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