This week the Concord Planning Board will consider the application for Andy Sanborn’s casino to be located on the Heights. He currently owns The Draft and has casino-type gambling already. This would expand it a great deal. I am opposed to the casino for a number of reasons. The location would increase traffic on the Heights, which is already congested with many residential units and pedestrians. Even with a police presence trying to deter speeders, there are many drivers who do not observe the 30 mph limit, and pedestrians are at risk.

Increasing traffic volume will be a problem on a fairly narrow road. The casino plans call for a restaurant, hotel and casino on Break O’Day Drive. There are unhoused people in that vicinity and I’m wondering if there are plans to relocate or house them? What will become of them? Does the Heights need another restaurant to compete with those already struggling to hire staff? Sanborn has never been in favor of paying a living wage to tipped employees during his time in the Legislature. Is this the best use of the land and does Concord want a casino to be a gateway for gambling? There are other issues to consider, but these come to mind.

Christy Dolat Bartlett

Concord

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