Racetrack plan triggers opinions in Austintown

February 13, 2011 at 12:10a.m.

Austintown

The possibility of a racetrack on a chunk of land off state Route 46 is getting mixed reactions from township residents and businesses.

Penn National Gaming Inc. announced Thursday its plans to relocate Raceway Park from Toledo to a 86-acre site in Austintown near Interstate 80 and state Route 11.

The company also wants to move its thoroughbred Beulah Park near Columbus to the Dayton area.

Tim Wilmott, Penn National president and chief operating officer, said the moves are contingent on the authorization of video- lottery terminals in Ohio.

Wanda Keller, manager of Quaker Steak & Lube on Interstate Boulevard, said the location of the potential track site is appealing to businesses right off the interstate.

Keller said she thinks the track would increase the customer base for the restaurant, which already pulls in large crowds, especially during televised sporting events.

“I think it would be very positive for business,” she said. “It will bring more people to the area and create revenue for us and for other businesses.”

Nick Reynolds, front-desk manager for Country Inn & Suites, also on Interstate Boulevard, said he also is supportive of the project.

“It’s absolutely a positive thing,” he said. “A lot of people around here are jobless, unfortunately, and it will create jobs.”

Reynolds said the increase in out-of-towners visiting the racetrack will increase business at the hotel. Country Inn & Suites is one of nearly a dozen hotels in Austintown.

“With casinos, people like to stay over on the weekend, which will definitely increase business for us,” he said. “When we get guests who stay longer and more often, it looks better for us and could possibly open up more jobs at the hotel.”

Though businesses seemed to be on board, Austintown residents are on the fence.

Bob Wiertz of Red Apple Drive said he’s not necessarily against the track but needs more information.

“It’s a little close to the houses, and I don’t know what it does to property values,” he said. “But I’m certainly not opposed.”

Wiertz said he’d eventually like more details on how the track will change traffic patterns as well.

“If it’s done right, it’s a great spot,” he said.

Debbie Precurato of Kimberly Avenue said she’s seen what gambling establishments can do to a town, and she doesn’t know if she wants that here in Austintown.

“I’ve been to Mountaineer [in West Virginia] twice, and the area around it is so run-down,” she said. “I don’t know if I want that so close to me.”

Precurato, who has lived in her home for 13 years, said she understands the need for jobs but would rather see the track built in a more industrialized part of the township.

“At first I thought they would go out by Mahoning Avenue,” she said. “We already have a lot of traffic here now because people use my street as a cut-through. I don’t like the thought of even more.”

Keller said though she understands some peoples’ hesitation about the project, she thinks everyone should have an open mind.

“People are sometimes afraid of change, but change can sometimes be a good thing,” she said.