LAUREL, Md. — A democratic lawmaker says the pictures say it all. Rooms described as concrete cells, dirty bathrooms and exposed wires.
The pictures were taken last week inside housing for workers at Laurel Park, who take care of the race track's prized horses.
The accusations of deplorable conditions date back to 2002. The Stronach Group owns both Laurel Park and Pimlico in Baltimore. The company had promised all those years ago to improve living conditions, but Delegate Nick Mosby said that never happened.
Over the years, the company has received reportedly more than 100 million dollars in state funds. Mosby wants that money to stop now and state subsidies they already receive to be used for capital improvements. "
"I think this industry preys on the vulnerable, we don't know their backgrounds, have come to this country for a better life," said Mosby.
But Charlie Hall, who trained horses and was stall manager at Laurel Park for almost 30 years, says the conditions here aren't different than any other track across the country.
Mosby says he wants health inspections to check out the track immediately.
In response to Mosby, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman issued the following statement Tuesday:
I share Delegate Mosby’s concern about the housing facilities at Laurel Park racetrack. Everyone deserves safe and healthy housing – at the racetrack or anywhere else in Maryland.
This afternoon, I directed the head of our Inspections and Permits Department to inspect and assess the housing facilities at the racetrack as soon as possible. Our first concern is for the workers – we don’t want these workers to become homeless or end up in a location where they cannot get to their jobs.
I understand that the track is currently undergoing renovations, including major capital improvements to the dormitories. We must demand improvement to the housing facilities, and we must also continue the ongoing progress at the track.
I look forward to working with the racetrack operators, Delegate Mosby, and the General Assembly to address this issue and improve housing conditions at racetracks in Maryland.