THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 23, 1994 TAG: 9410210315
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 49 lines
A horse-racing facility could have done a lot of positive things for our city and the region.
New agribusinesses opportunities would have developed, and existing agribusinesses would have been given a shot in the arm.
Equestrian and related industries could have developed and flourished. A horse-trail system would have been funded through some of the $2.5 million in direct tax revenues from a track.
Tourism would have benefited, creating additional revenues.
An internationally known corporation which has a history of assisting many community and charita-ble causes in Louisville, Ky., would have been a wonderful addition to our business community.
Yes, a rare opportunity was lost Oct. 12.
There is a silver lining to the clouded decision made by the Virginia Racing Commission. Virginia Beach threw her hat in the ring, one of only four areas in the state to do so. Numerous city departments collaborated in an expeditious and professional manner in helping to prepare the application. We were united as a community, demonstrating what we are capable of when we put our energies toward a goal. The public hearing before the commission was truly one of our city's finest hours.
Tom Meeker, president of Churchill Downs, and his organization leave with very favorable impressions and compliments toward our great city. We did our best, and there should be some satisfaction in that.
We need to assess the status of Hampton Roads in the eyes of the rest of the state. The fact that neither Portsmouth nor Virginia Beach appeared to be a serious contender in the opinion of the commission is cause for some serious introspection. We are the 37th-largest city in the nation, the 28th-largest metropolitan area and a viable area for major-league attractions, businesses and amenities. We're just going to have to press on, harder and with more determination, as we obviously have a great deal of work to do as a city and a region.
Anyway, Virginia Beach gave it her best shot. Thanks to all who helped.
Our day will come.
Linwood Branch
Member of City Council,
Beach Borough by CNB