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  • 8/11/2019 To SF Commish 5-10-2005

    1/1

    May 10, 2005

    Mr. Sandy Jones, ChairNew Mexico State Fair CommissionPO Box 8546Albuquerque, NM 87198

    RE: Moving of the Fairgrounds Casino

    Dear Mr. Jones:

    As the City of Albuquerque's recognized District 6 Coalition of Neighborhoods, representing over 18neighborhoods and 20,000+ residents around the Fairgrounds area, the Coalition is opposed to the current

    plan involving moving the casino next to the racetrack facilities to the parking lot south of the racetrack.All the neighborhoods in the Coalition have voiced their opposition and as you know, many of thoseresidents have attended your Commission meeting in March 2005.

    Currently, the Coalition's opposition is based on four main items:A community impact study was not performed. The Fair Commission's feasibility study was limited to thefinancial feasibility of moving the casino. We believe a full community impact study should be done.

    Lack of wanting or seeking community and City involvement by the Fair Commission. The City of

    Albuquerque has gone through a long process of planned growth strategy and not once was there anyforesight to join in that City strategy. Additionally, neighborhoods in the area have revitalization

    plans that will now be impacted. But it's state property & the state has acted as if it has noneighbors.

    Doubtfulness of the legality of moving the casino from the racetrack facility. Although a pedestriantunnel is in the plans to connect the casino to the racetrack's infield, we do not believe it meets thefull intent of the law.

    Wait until the Department of Health completes its study on the impact gambling has on families andcommunities. The study is valuable to New Mexico as a whole but would have specificmeaningfulness to moving the Casino.

    The Coalition has heard many other community voices bringing up other issues ranging from social justiceto the morality of gambling. All of which are real issues in the surrounding neighborhoods that range from

    pockets of poverty, to economically distressed inner city older areas, to low to middle class residentialareas. Again we hope a community impact and Dept. of Health studies would flush out these concerns forthe area.

    Lastly, the Coalition will remain active by continuing to attend and monitor Fair Commission meetings,jointly working with the City and County for an impact study, and keeping neighborhood leaders andresidents informed of events.

    Thank you for your attention.

    Sincerely,

    Nancy BearcePresident, District 6 Coalition

    Cc: City Councilor Martin HeinrichCounty Commissioner Deanna Archuleta-LoeserState Reps: Al Park, Sheryl Williams Stapleton, Gail Beam, Mimi StewartState Senators: Shannon Robinson and Cisco McSorley