Plainridge chief: Pick us

Gary Piontkowski talks about plans for Plainridge that are tied to pending action at the Statehouse. (Staff photo by Martin Gavin)

BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF

PLAINVILLE - As president of Plainridge Racecourse, Gary Piontkowski naturally says his property would be the best in Massachusetts for a slot machine parlor.

He said Tuesday he is unsure who his competitors will be, but he's eager to convince state officials of the advantages of Plainridge as the horse track bids on the one slot parlor license called for in legislation making its way through the Statehouse.

Plainridge, he said, can make a compelling case to a future gaming commission, which will award the license.

For one thing, he said, Plainridge already exists. It has land, highway access off Route 1, parking and an existing building ready to go if the track gets the license. He said his facility could have slot machines up and running within 90 days of receiving a license.

"The-speed-to-market" advantage his track has for slot machines should impress the commission, Piontkowski said, because it means he could start generating revenue for the state and the town of Plainville quickly.

The three casinos provided for in the bill would take years to build, he said.

When the gaming commission hears from applicants for the slot license, Piontkowski said he will emphasize that Plainridge has been in business for 12 years and helps support 1,600 families with jobs and purchases of supplies.

"We have a track record. We have paid taxes to the town for 12 years. We have paid taxes to the state for 12 years," he said.

Another advantage for Plainridge, he said, is that it is located in Plainville, which welcomes its expansion into gaming.

In some communities, such as nearby Foxboro, residents are opposed to gambling in their town, he said.

He also notes that 16 of the track's 17 owners are from Massachusetts and will not seek a partnership with Las Vegas interests.

"We're not carpetbaggers," he said.

The investors will put up the $25 million licensing fee and $125 million required for construction, he said.

The track already has plans and permits in place to build a 1,000-vehicle garage and 70,000-square-foot building expansion. Construction could begin immediately and be completed within 18 months, he said.

"We have a great story to tell them," he said.