Park Heights community hopeful Pimlico redevelopment spurs improvements nearby
BALTIMORE - Elected officials and community leaders gathered on Park Heights Avenue Monday morning to throw support behind a major redevelopment project for Pimlico Race Course and the surrounding site.
A plan announced Friday by the state's new "Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority" calls for major upgrades to the area.
"This part of the city deserves amenities that just don't exist here," Del. Malcolm Ruff said.
The governor's office also announced an "agreement in principle" between Stronach Group and the MTROA to transfer ownership of Pimlico to the state to redevelop the site.
If a plan clears legislative hurdles, the redevelopment includes plans for a new clubhouse, track, hotel, and event center.
"This is definitely a sign of a step toward progress," said Yolanda Jiggetts, CEO of Park Heights Renaissance.
The plans would mean the Preakness Stakes, horse racing's middle leg of the Triple Crown, would temporarily move to Laurel Park, but ensure its long-term future at Pimlico.
"It's also exciting to know this will become a destination site all year round," said Elizabeth Wiseman, the Pimlico Redevelopment Compact Board co-chair.
It would also call for Pimlico to be the state's new horse racing hub, increasing live race days to a few weeks a year to as many as 160 live race days.
"I think everyone I talk to wants the Preakness to stay here," Jiggetts said. "But, they want it under the conditions set forth by the community, as well."
Two plans are proposed for the track's redevelopment, with the main question hinging on the track's orientation.
A plan to keep the track in its current location would cost $274 million. Another plan rotating the track would allow for more barns and horse stalls.
Its estimated cost is $283 million.
"What happens with this redevelopment should spur private development that should change the landscape of this business district and this community," Ruff added.
The state has already authorized nearly $400 million for improvements.
"It's time we get what's due in this area. And, this is one step towards that," Bishop-elect Troy Randall, who co-chairs a community redevelopment board, said. "We want it done. But, we also make sure we want it done well."
Elected officials who represent the area say they're already drafting legislation ahead of the 2024 General Assembly session, which starts Wednesday.
An online community meeting is set for 11 a.m. Thursday. To learn more or register, click here.
"It's my expectation that this community will thrive again as a result of this major development," Wiseman said.
