New Orleans Slot machines - so close yet so far away
Hundred of New Orleans slot machines at Fair Grounds racetrack will have to wait for better times, since The City Planning Commission ruled to postpone the final decision on the slots plan, initiated by Churchill Down. Officials commissioned by Churchill announced that they wanted to take another two weeks to try and restrain the fears of the neighbors from this allegedly formidable venture.
Opponents, ratified that they would voice their indignation and make whatever they can to bar infusion of slot machines at Fair Grounds. They’ve also referred to Churchill as not a particularly nice neighbor, who’s consistently breached some impediments the city imposes on the track’s operation. They also fear that slots would clog the city with trash, generate unbearable noise, traffic and crime that could potentially destroy their welfare.
Last week a debate was stirred up due to recommendation of the commission’s staff to allow slots operations only from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. These restrictions caused some concern to Andrew Skehan, chief operating officer of Churchill Downs who contended that the proposal was for the company to operate slots around the clock, no different from other casinos. He maintained that though 2004-2005 season results of Fair Grounds were quite promising, they are not enough to maintain the track as a self sufficient business.
