Heard on the Street – Harness Racing coming to Plymouth

Jan. 19, 2023  PLYMOUTH VOICE.

Plymouth Michigan News

Displaced and uprooted Northville Downs Racetrack, after years of poor attendance, fewer races, reduction in live wagering and wrangling with the City of Northville over the lease of their 48-acre property, track owners – Northville Driving Club Corporation – has decided to relocate and build new operations in Plymouth Township after their lease expires in September of this year.

Northville’s $200 million planned unit housing development by Farmington Hills developer Hunter Pasteur Homes on the current Northville Downs property is now coming to fruition after stumbling to get off the ground.  Racetrack Operations Manager Mike Carlo, who owns the racetrack parking lot but not the track itself, is said to be involved in negotiation of a Community Benefits Agreement with Plymouth Township Supervisor, Kurt Heise.  According to informed sources the developer has already submitted checks to the township to cover application fees and escrow amounts.

The new project is rumored to be called Northville Downs at Plymouth Township and located on a 128-acre parcel, part of the Michigan International Technology Corridor at Five Mile and Ridge Road.

Hometown Life recently reported development plans that include construction of a half-mile oval harness racetrack, a two-story, 4,900-square-foot grandstand with a large patio for standing room race viewing, a 23,000-square-foot racing building, a 35,000-square-foot horse barn and a 3,200-square-foot maintenance building.

The project is slated to come before the township planning commission next month and there’s talk of a proposed 54,000 square foot casino at the site in the future.

Plymouth Voice.