mdstatefair-logo-300x97They said they weren’t gonna agree, but in the end they all did.  The Maryland State Fair & Agricultural did promise to not seek slots or casino gambling – and in return the Greater Timonium Community Council agreed to back off the protests against allowing the State Fair to be a year-round off-track betting parlor, and various legislators have agreed to withdraw various bills that would have prohibited the OTB.

Actually, the Greater Timonium Community Council agreed to more than just to back off. They agreed to support an amendment to the county zoning code to clarify that OTBs permitted as a matter of right in the “mercantile exposition” district that includes the fairgrounds (whether current zoning allowed would allow off-track wagering was heated source of disagreement) and that the entire Fairgrounds would be included in “mercantile exposition zone.”

Furthermore – and perhaps most importantly – the Community Council agreed to support the Fair’s request for a full liquor license.

If projections for the new Timonium OTB come through, the Fair Grounds could see at least an additional half-million dollars a year for capital improvements to the grounds. Now, wouldn’t it be nice to see some improvements to the stabling and grounds used for the horse shows and Expo? What would be on YOUR list to improve at the Maryland State Fairgrounds? Post your wish list items below or  email us! editor@equiery.com

To read more:

Baltimore Sun

Washington Times

The Racing Biz