Casino, Racetrack Development Proposed for Southeastern Massachusetts

A casino or a racetrack would be notable in this part of Massachusetts, but this development is proposing both.

1 minute read

August 21, 2019, 7:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Massachusetts Thoroughbred Racing

Suffolk Downs in Boston held its last thoroughbred race in June 2019. | Keith J Finks / Shutterstock

Jon Chesto reports on plans by a Quincy-based developer "to build a new horse track along with a hotel and entertainment complex with slot machines" in the city of Wareham, located just West of Cape Cod.

"Many of the details for Wareham Park remain unclear. But one source familiar with O’Connell’s plans says the Notos Group, the firm created for this development, would invest $300 million in the project, at a 275-acre parcel on Glen Charlie Road just north of Route 25," according to Chesto.

The development is notable for several  reasons, according to Chesto. First of all, the thoroughbred racing industry is waning. Racing ended in Massachusetts this summer, when Suffolks Down closed its doors after 84 years of races, to make way for a master-planned, mixed-use development.

Secondly, Southeastern Massachusetts is the only corner of the state that hasn't added a casino since the state legalized gambling in 2011. The developers will have to invest $500 million to convince state lawmakers to approve the plan.

Monday, August 19, 2019 in The Boston Globe

Sweeping view of Portland, Oregon with Mt. Hood in background against sunset sky.

Oregon Passes Exemption to Urban Growth Boundary

Cities have a one-time chance to acquire new land for development in a bid to increase housing supply and affordability.

March 12, 2024 - Housing Wire

Aerial view of green roofs with plants in Sydney, Australia.

Where Urban Design Is Headed in 2024

A forecast of likely trends in urban design and architecture.

March 10, 2024 - Daily Journal of Commerce

Cobblestone street with streetcar line, row of vintage streetlights on left, and colorful restaurant and shop awnings on right on River Street in Savannah, Georgia.

Savannah: A City of Planning Contrasts

From a human-scales, plaza-anchored grid to suburban sprawl, the oldest planned city in the United States has seen wildly different development patterns.

March 12, 2024 - Strong Towns

Aerial View of Chuckanut Drive and the Blanchard Bridge in the Skagit Valley.

Washington Tribes Receive Resilience Funding

The 28 grants support projects including relocation efforts as coastal communities face the growing impacts of climate change.

March 18 - The Seattle Times

Historic buildings in downtown Los Angeles with large "Pan American Lofts" sign on side of building.

Adaptive Reuse Bills Introduced in California Assembly

The legislation would expand eligibility for economic incentives and let cities loosen regulations to allow for more building conversions.

March 18 - Beverly Press

View from above of swan-shaped paddleboats with lights on around artesian fountain in Echo Park Lake with downtown Los Angeles skylien in background at twilight.

LA's Top Parks, Ranked

TimeOut just released its list of the top 26 parks in the L.A. area, which is home to some of the best green spaces around.

March 18 - TimeOut

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.