Racetrack and VLT plan get cool response in Saint John

Some Saint John residents are worried about a proposal to bring a new complex with harness racing and video-gambling machines to their neighbourhood.

The plan would transform the old Lantic Sugar refinery site into a $300-million development with a racetrack, hotel and housing complex. The property is currently a big empty space on the waterfront at the foot of Saint John's south end.

Businessman Dave Ryan sayshis "racino" proposalwould bring together two forms of entertainment that already exist in New Brunswick: harness racing and VLTs. "The business model is combining the two. Creating a new tourism experience for people coming to the city of Saint John and the region."

But south-end resident Donna Reardondoesn't like the idea.She wants to see the Lantic Sugar site developed, but she's not sold on the idea of bringing gambling to her neighbourhood, which is filled with mostly low-income earners and rental properties.

"It's not for the tourists, I don't think," she said. "Can the Saint Johners support it? I don't know."

Reardon's neighbour Howard Labillois is also worried about the effect a racetrack with VLTs could have on their community.

"We're an area that's under distress. It's no secret [that] we want development, but the first tenet should be, do no harm."

Plans for the gambling complex are still in the early stages, andthe provincial government still has to decide if it will even allowracinos tooperate in New Brunswick.