Whatever happens in the remaining days of the legislative session, discussions about the future of Pimlico and the Preakness must take place afterwards.

That’s what the Maryland Stadium Authority study recommends.

That’s what the bill I testified for, House Bill 1190, would require.

That’s what I wrote a Baltimore Sun reporter this morning after reading this paragraph in an online article this morning.

But in a statement, the company indicated the city’s plan was a non-starter: “We don’t believe that hypothetical scenarios are in the best interest of the City, State or the thoroughbred racing industry as this just perpetuates delaying decisions.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-triple-crown-plan-20190401-story.html

I responded to the reporter:

To the contrary, further discussion of this Triple Crown proposal during the interim is an opportunity to transform the Pimlico property into a major economic, health care, and recreational hub, which would benefit all of the surrounding neighborhoods; keep the Preakness in Baltimore, which bolsters the region’s economy; and enhance Maryland’s racing industry,  which would thrive from public and private investment in Pimlico, Laurel, and Bowie. 

This afternoon, I was asked to participate in a program about the proposed Preakness move to Laurel.

The Stronach group is available for this panel discussion, the email said.

I hope the track owners are also available for discussion with the City and the State.