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PRESS RELEASE
Baltimore City Withdraws Condemnation Action Against Maryland Jockey Club, The Stronach Group and Others
BALTIMORE, MD. — Acting on behalf of the City of Baltimore, Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young today filed a line of withdrawal dismissing without prejudice the condemnation action filed against the Maryland Jockey Club, The Stronach Group and others in the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
Following a productive discussion between Mayor Young and Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President of The Stronach Group, on Preakness Day, the parties have discussed the resumption of good faith negotiations concerning the ways and means by which to revitalize, renovate and/or redevelop Pimlico and other thoroughbred racing facilities in the State, with Pimlico as a priority, in order to maintain and enhance the State’s thoroughbred racing industry, the City’s capacity to host the Preakness Stakes®, provide for sustainable year-round racing in the State, and to further economic and community development and the public’s interest at large.
“I am pleased that we have reached this withdrawal agreement and standstill with the Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group to give the parties an opportunity to discuss Pimlico and racing in Maryland,” Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said. “The City is committed to keeping the Preakness in Baltimore and I look forward to working with the Maryland Jockey Club and The Stronach Group on good faith negotiations toward a positive outcome for the Park Heights community and the City of Baltimore.”
“We appreciate the withdrawal of the lawsuit and look forward to working with Mayor Young and his representatives, along with the State and other stakeholders,” said Belinda Stronach.
“In the coming days, we will be continuing our dialogue with the City Solicitor’s Office to arrange for these important discussions,” said Alan M. Rifkin, attorney for the Maryland Jockey Club and the Preakness Stakes®.
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