Concerned citizens express opinions concerning Oct. 7 special election

By Karen Newsome

JASPER – Glen Richards, the CEO of Richmond Entertainment Inc., was the guest speaker for the Jasper “Eye Opener” Breakfast at Rooster’s Diner sponsored by the Hamilton County Chamber of Commerce and the Tourist Development Council Thursday, Aug. 14.



Richards, who is seeking to open a horse track facility and pursue other investments in the county, gave a review of his goals and intentions to residents of the community and willingly addressed the questions of the citizens involving the pros and cons of his endeavors.



Before the business portion of the meeting began, breakfast-goers enjoyed a meal of scrambled eggs, bacon, grits, toast and coffee. Afterwards Gail Newsome, secretary of the Chamber, welcomed guests. Bob Poor, director of the TDC, introduced Richards. The citizens in attendance at the breakfast were eager to hear what Richards’ endeavors would entail. Several expressed their concern for what the horse track facility being located here would bring to the county. The discussion included concerns such as how tax monies would be effected in the county, what sort of people and other businesses would be attracted to the county because of the facility, how the crime rate would be affected, as well as other outcomes of either welcoming or refusing the facility.



One resident asked how the horse track’s coming would impact the county taxpayers, including such expenses as road construction and police patrol for the area.



Richards said that it would not be an additional expense to the taxpayers because he would be responsible for paving his own drives and hiring officers to patrol the facility.



It was addressed in addition that the facility would be an advantage, as far as taxes are concerned, because it would contribute around $2 million a year in tax revenue.



Poor added that 52 percent of the county tax dollars are now brought in by PCS Phosphate in White Springs and that we cannot count on PCS to be there forever. He also said that less than 48 percent of residents in the county contribute to tax monies.



Costs of the referendum

As for the cost of the referendum, Richmond Entertainment will invest $30,000-$60,000, and will also invest over $100,000 for license applications to the State of Florida.



Richards said that not only will the facility employ people in the county and use local contractors as much as possible for the construction of the facility, but other businesses and people would be brought to the area due to the horse facility.



According to Richards, many people would come to the area to visit during events held at the track and even to live; it would help pull in retirees who would want to watch the races.

The people would need places to stay, buy groceries, shop, etc., and that is the potential for more money to be brought into the county. In effect, more businesses would come to the area in order to support that demand, such as hotels and restaurants. He said that there were two hotels that would surely come if his plans for the facility came to fruition.



Richards’ other plans include bringing a dollar store to White Springs and to build subdivisions in White Springs and Jasper. In the event the referendum passes, Richards also indicated he plans to build a subdivision in an area next to the hospital, as well as an upper-scale subdivision with a golf-course to be built east of the Hwy. 129 and I-75 exchange.



In addition, he said that the jockeys must have an adequate emergency medical facility within 10-15 miles of the facility, and that there are already two hospitals interested in moving to the area, of which he would be buying and donating the land for them to build upon.



Concerns of area residents

A couple of residents spoke up on their concerns of the type of people and businesses that would be attracted to the area. One resident was concerned with the sort of people the track would bring. A pastor also addressed his concern that such a facility may attract immoral businesses to arise in the area.



Richards explained that those sort of businesses are dependent upon zoning laws instated by the county commissioners, and that morality could not be legislated, but begins at home. How the crime rate would be influenced was another question brought up.



Richards and Poor reported from their research that the crime rate would not increase due to the horse track facility being introduced to the area. However, with the increase of population, one would expect that also the crime rate could unavoidably increase. Richards said that if the community saw that they did not like the effect that the horse track facility had upon the county, then they could vote him out with another referendum.



Richards said their office would be opening Aug. 20 at 106 Hatley Street West in Jasper, and the election for the pari-mutuel wagering referendum will be held on Oct. 7.



At the close of the meeting, the drawing for the PCS fishing trip for two was held. Bob Poor was the winner.