Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today released the following statement following his vote against a proposal to open an Off-Track Betting facility at 143 West 72nd Street in Manhattan. The proposal, however, passed by a 3-2 vote.

“There is no question in my mind that this is a bad location. The City ignored the concerns raised by residents and preservationists that such an establishment should not be set up in this historic district. The only gambling on this block should be the City’s bet on a local community and the principle of smart growth and development.”

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