The State Racing Commission heard competing proposals today from groups in Norwood and East Boston, each seeking the coveted license to operate a running horse track in Massachusetts. The hearings, held in Gardner Auditorium at the State House, drew business leaders, attorneys, legislators, and civic representatives from across the region.
During the morning session, Boston Metropolitan Airport, Inc., represented by attorney W. M. Noble, presented its case for a track in Norwood. Noble argued that Norwood offered a superior location, citing its accessibility — “within 20 minutes by train from South Station” — and its willingness to contribute 7 percent of the handle once construction costs were paid, double the 3½ percent required by law. He emphasized that the group’s backers included respected horsemen such as Walter O’Hara of Narragansett and Lou Smith of Rockingham, both of whom rejected East Boston as unsuitable.
Noble warned of severe traffic congestion if a track were built in East Boston, noting that the Sumner Tunnel could not handle the thousands of cars expected on race days. “What will the commission say,” he asked, “when downtown residents demand to know who put a track in East Boston?”
Sherburne Eaton, vice president of the Norwood group, stated that the organization was prepared to begin construction immediately upon receiving a license. Noble added that the group had already purchased and improved 1,600 acres at a total cost of $460,000, and expected to invest $1 million in building the track. He stressed that no public bonds would be issued; instead, a private syndicate would finance the project.
Supporters of the Norwood proposal included Walter E. Channing, Josiah H. Childs, Nathaniel E. Parkinson, and Arthur P. Russell of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad. William Rogers of Dedham testified that local residents favored the Norwood site.
In the afternoon session, the Eastern Horse Racing Association, represented by attorney Charles H. Innes, Bayard Tuckerman Jr., Allan J. Wilson, W. J. McDonald, and F. Adams, presented its case for East Boston. Innes and McDonald emphasized the district’s extensive transportation network, arguing that the site was as accessible as Harvard Stadium and offered even more transit options.
Representative Bigelow of Brookline, chair of the Ways and Means Committee, urged swift action, noting that the state budget anticipated $870,000 in revenue from racing. Without it, he warned, taxpayers would face higher rates.
The East Boston Board of Trade also voiced unanimous support for a track in their district, citing economic development opportunities.
The Racing Commission is expected to announce its decision tomorrow.
Source: Boston Globe, April 3, 1935
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