Gambling at track just delays inevitable

It is becoming abundantly clear that Mayor Mulder and a majority of village trustees have no long term economic plan or vision for the future for Arlington Heights beyond prolonging life support for the terminally ill horse racing industry and Arlington Park racetrack.

There is no question that Arlington Park still is a magnificent venue and has a significant place in the history of the community. So did Henrici’s Restaurant and the aging Sherman Hotel in Chicago, which were demolished to make way for the Daley and Thompson Centers for state and county government.

In wild-eyed speculation, why not a broad-based commission to explore with Churchill Downs the idea and financial viability of a domed, multiuse stadium as an entertainment and sports venue to lure a second NFL team to the Chicago area? Perhaps add the Cubs — clinging to its unmatched setting but doomed by renovation and capacity demands. Even the Bears might check the small print on how to escape Soldier Field.

The huge area also could be attractive to private high tech research and development companies as an integrated futuristic campus.

Slot machines will not revitalize the area and the neighboring hotel empty with parking lots overrun with weeds. It would be only a matter of time before the same forces, with the same support from the village would be back for an additional 1,200 or maybe 5,000 gaming positions.

If anyone believes gambling is a vision for the future consider Las Vegas with some of the highest unemployment, home foreclosures and crime problems in the entire nation. As for a bonanza for local restaurants, bars, shops and services, forget it. Gamblers hoard their cash to gamble, not squander it on luxuries or in some cases necessities.

It is no longer a matter of if but when Churchill Downs votes to close Arlington Park and sell off the land for a federal prison, industrial park or to housing speculators. Residents should look to new leadership and village trustees with imagination and ideas for a new and vibrant community.

And that’s my two cents.

Jim Strong

Arlington Heights