Monmouth Park Privatization At Risk
Morris Bailey has sent the NJ Sport and Exposition Authority a letter declaring his memorandum of understanding for a five year lease agreement of Monmouth Park null and void, according to the Star Ledger.
Bailey, a real estate developer and the owner of Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, has been running the track since June 24 under the memorandum of understanding while waiting to receive the formal lease.
At issue is a $4,000,000 loan from the NJ Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association to support the track’s purses at $400,000 per day. That money has already been used. Without at formal lease, Bailey is not accepting the loan.
The Ledger quoted a spokesperson for the NJSEA as saying they considered Bailey’s letter a negotiating ploy.
Purses could be drastically reduced this fall and the 2012 racing dates could be at risk, according to the Ledger.
Oceanport Councilman Joe Irace was caught off guard by this development. “This is not good news! We were told that the Monmouth Park deal was signed, sealed and delivered.” Monmouth Park is Oceanport’s largest taxpayer.
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[…] the recent dispute with Morris Bailey and the NJSEA that threatens the long term viability of Monmouth Park. The track was in O’Scanlon’s 12th legislative district and is now in his new 13th […]