Maryland

One-Track Plan Looms More and More Likely in Maryland

Published

1 year ago

April 14, 2023

One-Track Plan Looms More and More Likely in Maryland

About three years in the past there was pleasure and a deep sense of aid for the Thoroughbred business in Maryland when the State Legislature handed a invoice that referred to as for $375 million in bonds to rebuild the crumbling Maryland Jockey Membership amenities at Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.

It was a second in time when the business regarded previous years of missteps and authorized battles to embrace a vivid future with two fashionable amenities and a correct house for Pimlico’s Preakness Stakes (G1), the famed second jewel within the Triple Crown.

“That is really a defining second within the historical past of the Maryland Thoroughbred racing business and the state,” Alan Rifkin, counsel for the Maryland Jockey Membership (an arm of 1/ST Racing) and Preakness Stakes, mentioned on the time.

Now that second is gone.

The dying knell for these bold plans sounded April 10 when Maryland lawmakers overwhelmingly handed a invoice creating the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Working Authority to work with the stakeholders to get rid of quite a few bottlenecks and produce a brand new imaginative and prescient for the business by Dec. 1.

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“This was the logical subsequent step. That is what was wanted to be executed,” mentioned Alan Foreman, counsel for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Affiliation. “There was nice frustration on the finish of final 12 months’s legislative session. The undertaking was manner behind and manner over finances.”

Whereas management of the undertaking has now shifted from the Maryland Stadium Authority to the MTROA, the change entails greater than acronyms. It comes amidst a brand new actuality for Maryland racing wherein having two new racing amenities is a longshot and probably the most viable choice is to consolidate racing at a renovated Pimlico and create a coaching middle—probably at Laurel—to accommodate the horse inhabitants.

“It is extra probably than ever that Pimlico will develop into the hub of Maryland racing,” Foreman mentioned in regards to the 153-year-old facility in Baltimore the place deterioration led to the closing of a piece of the grandstand in 2019. “When the stadium authority realized the price of rebuilding Laurel was prohibitive, we began trying on the penalties that there will not be a Laurel in the way forward for Maryland racing and we could must consolidate at Pimlico and construct a coaching middle at Laurel. We’d additionally want a brand new web site for a coaching middle if rebuilding Laurel shouldn’t be discovered to be a possible undertaking.”

What’s occurring now’s the most recent irritating chapter in a guide that many imagine begins in 2009 when The Stronach Group (1/ST Racing’s company title on the time) didn’t pay a required license deposit on time and its MJC misplaced all hope of bringing gaming to Laurel. With out the choice income stream that surrounding states possess, Maryland’s tracks missed out on the absolute best deal to make ends meet.

“What we have now now’s the accident that was ready to occur when the Stronach Group didn’t get entangled in gaming greater than 10 years in the past,” Foreman mentioned.

Whereas the 2020 laws was supposed to unravel the issue, its lack of ability to get began paints a stark image for the opportunity of rebuilding two racetracks. What doomed the earlier laws was a mix of COVID-19, inflation, elevated labor and materials prices, and an costly tax challenge for the MJC. Merely put, what was thought-about a $375 million undertaking in 2020, now has a price ticket of about $600 million. On the identical time, the 2020 bonds are value about $250 million now due to adjustments in rates of interest, making a shortfall that the MSA couldn’t plug.

Below the brand new laws, Invoice Cole, a lead negotiator for the Metropolis of Baltimore within the course of, says about $400 million-$410 million can be accessible. But that also leaves a deficit of about $200 million.

Whereas stakeholder representatives all stress that nothing has been determined but, and that every one choices are nonetheless on the desk, there is no getting round the truth that an enormous quantity of further cash can be wanted if the plan stays to rejuvenate each tracks. Nobody, particularly the state or the MJC, seems occupied with offering that money.

“Now we have a finite finances. That’s clear,” Cole mentioned. “The legislature has no urge for food for including extra money and we have been instructed the finances authorised a number of years in the past is our finances now. We’re working below the idea that we should dwell inside our means.”

That situation would appear to make rebuilding one observe the best choice, and since saving Pimlico and holding the Preakness in Baltimore was the spark that led to the 2020 laws, it appears probably that Pimlico would get the nod over Laurel on any one-track plan.

“We have heard very clearly that Pimlico stays the primary focus and I do not see any manner Pimlico shouldn’t be protected and preserved,” Cole mentioned.

The necessity for a brand new redevelopment plan additionally casts some quantity of doubt on 1/ST Racing’s future in Maryland. In the meanwhile the MJC owns each Pimlico and Laurel, however as a part of the 2020 deal, it agreed to show Pimlico over to public management by town and state whereas retaining possession of Laurel, which additionally wants vital enhancements.

“Laurel must be rebuilt. It’s in worse form than Pimlico,” Foreman mentioned. “You’ll be able to gussy up the grandstand, however the truth of the matter is that there are structural issues with the constructing. There are all types of points with the backstretch, water points, issues with the racing floor. The turf course needs to be changed. All of that was apparent when the (MSA) studied it.”

Having the state pay for the redevelopment of Laurel seemed like an awesome deal for the MJC, till it turned identified that Maryland legislation stipulates that when public funds are used for a personal entity, the proprietor turns into answerable for capital beneficial properties taxes. Within the case of the MJC that tax invoice might be someplace between $10 million-$40 million relying on the scope of the undertaking. When confronted with that prospect, the MJC understandably utilized the brakes to transferring ahead on the plan whereas a solution to that roadblock may discovered. Up to now, nobody has provided one and since it is a state legislation, there’s little to no wiggle room round it.

With that tax challenge hovering overhead, insiders marvel if MJC and 1/ST Racing may transfer to the function of observe operator with out an possession stake?

Requested about that chance, Rifkin mentioned, “It might be untimely for me to touch upon anyone specific permutation. What I can say is: TSG/MJC continues to debate in good religion and in the very best pursuits of Maryland’s historic racing business all affordable concepts and operational constructions that might make sure the long-term viability, profitability, and sustainability of all stakeholders.”

Including to questions on the way forward for 1/ST Racing in Maryland, the MTROA has the ability to herald a brand new operator. Foreman mentioned a provision of Maryland legislation permits the state to grab possession of the tracks and work out truthful compensation for the previous proprietor.

“We’d want a extra versatile working mannequin in Maryland,” Cole mentioned.

Nevertheless, discovering an entity prepared to be merely an operator, be it the MJC or one other group, might be one other in a collection of problematic points going through the MTROA.

“State legislation consists of the flexibility to step in and basically take over and discover a new operator if wanted,” Foreman mentioned, “however I do not know who could be occupied with doing that with out the gaming part. As a part of the method, we have now been all of the working fashions, corresponding to Del Mar, (the New York Racing Affiliation), New Jersey, within the occasion we have now to face that chance if wanted. We started hiring consultants to take a look at operations and so they filed a report Sept. 30. It indicated that Del Mar is most aligned with Maryland’s pursuits going ahead. Del Mar is owned by the state and there’s an authority that has management and oversees the property. After which there’s the Del Mar Thoroughbred Membership which is the working entity. They’re tax-exempt and that is the sort of the mannequin we’d be .”

With out a plan in place in the intervening time, tensions have been rising. Compounding the state of affairs, there have been expensive points with the amenities, corresponding to issues with the racing floor circumstances at Laurel, a lingering downside that compelled cancellation of racing April 8.

Foreman mentioned that when a 10-year settlement between the horsemen, breeders, and the MJC ended late final 12 months, a brand new settlement couldn’t be reached among the many MJC, MTHA, and the Maryland Horse Breeders’ Affiliation. As a substitute a six-month extension for continued negotiations was agreed upon. The ten-year settlement had assured 100 racing days and created a “revenue-sharing” contract with the horsemen for extra dates.

“Our assumption was the 10-year settlement could be prolonged, however in November the (MJC, 1/ST Racing) got here in and mentioned that except the horsemen are prepared to pay considerably extra money than they’re at the moment paying, due to (MJC’s) losses, they’d not lengthen the settlement,” Foreman mentioned.

It is absolutely a posh and irritating state of affairs going through the Maryland racing business with no easy solutions, however these carefully concerned within the course of are optimistic that there is nonetheless a fervent want among the many stakeholders to search out options and constructions that may finally brighten the game’s future within the Outdated Line State.

“We nonetheless have a whole lot of work to do with the MJC and the horsemen,” Cole mentioned, “however I imagine there’s the widespread aim of preserving Maryland racing. Now we have a finite period of time to give you a world resolution however we have now a mutual curiosity in developing with an answer.”

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Maryland

New laws in Virginia, Maryland, DC going into effect July 1: gun control, cat declawing, child marriages

Published

5 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

New laws in Virginia, Maryland, DC going into effect July 1: gun control, cat declawing, child marriages

Starting July 1, residents in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., will see significant changes as a range of new laws come into effect.

These laws, signed by Governors Glenn Youngkin and Wes Moore, cover various issues from banning cat declawing and child marriages to prohibiting auto sears and cracking down on ticket price scams.

Additionally, D.C. will implement the highest minimum wage in the country, aiming to ensure fair wages for all workers.

Virginia laws going into effect July 1

In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin signed 777 bills this session.

July 1 brings with it a ban on declawing cats, a ban on child marriages, and prohibits legacy admissions at public higher education institutes.

There is also new legislation that bans “auto sears” — also known as Glock switches.

Those are devices that can convert a semiautomatic firearm into a fully automatic weapon that is able to rapidly fire a full magazine of bullets.

Delegate Michael Jones sponsored HB-22 – one of only two gun laws passed by the governor.

“It’s not your average gun owner who is going to have these, it’s people who are out there trying to hurt innocent people, innocent bystanders,” Jones said. “It’s going to keep us safe and make our streets a little safer.”

Maryland laws going into effect July 1

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 23: Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaks during a campaign event for Angela Alsobrook’s run for Maryland’s open U.S. Senate seat at Monument City Brewing Company in Baltimore, Maryland, on October 23, 2023.(Amanda Andrade-Rhoade

Moving into Maryland, Governor Wes Moore signed 1,049 bills into law.

Some changes you will see come July 1 include a ban on vaping in indoor spaces, public transportation, and workplaces, as well as alcohol delivery being allowed from permitted businesses.

And Maryland is cracking down on those wild ticket prices we have seen for concerts and shows lately – becoming the first state in the country to fine resellers and platforms that offer “speculative” tickets – tickets they don’t even own but sell anyway, driving up prices for everyone.

This was Maryland State Senator Dawn Gile’s bill.

She said it is in response to outrage from consumers, and she hopes it changes people’s perspectives on what it means to buy tickets.

“People have just become accustomed that this is what they have to do – pay these astronomical ticket prices to see a show but that’s not the way it should be,” Gile said. “There’s deception in the marketplace, there’s a manipulation in the marketplace of these prices and we can have a fair marketplace.”

Another one going into effect in Maryland on July 1 is called Nick’s Law – which calls for stricter boating rules and punishments when it comes to boating under the influence.

It’s named after Nick Barton, a 21-year-old college lacrosse player who was killed in a boating accident in June 2022 by someone who was drinking.

His mom, Marie Barton, has been fighting to make Maryland waterways safer ever since.

“After I lost Nick, I started looking into everything and I could not believe the law – or the lack of laws, I should say,” Barton said.

Nick’s Law prohibits a person from operating a vessel for two years if they are convicted of boating under the influence and five years if it results in death

“It also gives DNR a database which they have never had before to be able to track these boaters that aren’t supposed to be on the water,” Barton explained.

DC laws going into effect July 1

Muriel Bowser, mayor of the District of Columbia, during an interview in Washington, DC, US, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. This summer Bowser and DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said they were united in opposition to a federal measure overhauling poli

The minimum wage is increasing in the District of Columbia on July 1, to $17.50 per hour for non-tipped workers, the highest in the United States.

The DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) sent FOX 5 the following statement.

“Mayor Bowser’s commitment to creating more pathways to the middle class remains a priority.

Starting July 1, the District’s minimum wage will increase to $17.50 per hour for non-tipped workers and $10.00 per hour for tipped employees.

This adjustment is crucial for ensuring workers receive fair wages and our employers comply with D.C. wage laws.

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Maryland

High-Tech Help in Clearing Your Plate

Published

12 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

As an undergraduate engineering student in Delhi, India, Amisha Bhaskar took a field trip to a facility for disabled war veterans and met a man who had lost both hands. When she asked him what technologies could improve his life, his reply left an indelible impression: He wanted something so he could take care of himself and not be forced to rely upon others.

Now a second-year doctoral student at the University of Maryland studying computer science, Bhaskar has focused on the wounded veteran’s broad request as her area of study. Working with others in the Robotics Algorithms & Autonomous Systems Lab, she is developing an innovative robotic tool to help people with mobility impairments feed themselves.

The team’s work was recognized last month at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Yokohama, Japan, where a paper Bhaskar presented as lead co-author received top honors in a specialized workshop on cooking and robotics.

Existing robotic-assisted feeding technology is very limited, the UMD researchers said. Commercial robotic arms have a fixed, pre-programmed motion that allows them to pick up food only in a specific spot on a plate, and they lack the ability to detect whether they’ve accomplished that task.

“They are not learning on the go, so it will just keep doing this motion no matter if you want to eat it or not, or if the food is picked up or not,” said Bhaskar.

Robotic-assisted feeding can be divided into two steps, she explained: the “acquisition” step involves a utensil picking up the food, while the transfer step is the process of the food reaching a person’s mouth without being dropped or succumbing to some other mishap.

Bhaskar and the UMD team are currently working on the acquisition step, with a lofty goal. While other research groups sometimes count picking up food on a utensil just once as a success, the UMD team’s target is to clear the plate.

The system must be able to recognize and transport a variety of foods served in assisted-care settings—from liquid foods to semi-solid ones like yogurt and tofu to cereals.

One of the most significant challenges for a robot is handling foods with varied textures and consistencies within a single dish, the researchers said. Ramen, for example, presents a complex scenario that includes a liquid broth, squishy tofu, solid vegetables and irregularly shaped noodles that remain the biggest challenge, Bhaskar said. “Every single element requires different strategies, some of which have to be combined,” she said

An interdisciplinary approach has played a key role in the project’s success, said Pratap Tokekar, an associate professor of computer science with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies.

“The technology we’re working on involves computer vision, artificial intelligence, deep neural networks, mechanical engineering and more—it all needs to come together seamlessly so that the robotic system is both safe for users and efficient in accomplishing the task at hand,” he said.

Tokekar is academic adviser to Bhaskar and another graduate student working on the project, Rui Liu, a third-year doctoral student in computer science.

Robotic-assisted feeding is a relatively new area of research for Liu, who had previously focused on computer vision and human-robot interaction. But like Bhaskar, Liu sees the potential here to greatly improve people’s lives, particularly older adults or those with mobility issues that make feeding themselves difficult.

Additional team members include Vishnu D. Sharma, Ph.D. ’24 and Guangyao Shi, Ph.D. ’23, now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Southern California.

While the project is probably several years away from real-world application, Tokekar is confident in the team’s progress, and particularly in Bhasker’s and Liu’s eagerness and intense focus.

“The best part of this project is that every time we meet, they have 10 new ideas since the last time that we met,” Tokekar said. “Instead of me telling them what to do, they already know what to do. I’m just helping shape their ideas.”

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