A New Hampshire business owner, Dorrie Masten, is considering legal action against the city of Keene after a recently adopted ordinance thwarted her plans to open a casino in the downtown area. The ordinance, passed in December, has sparked questions about its timing and potential implications for local businesses.
The Casino Ordinance: A Timeline of Events
The controversy began in late 2023, when Masten applied to establish a charitable gaming casino at a downtown property she owns. Her plans gained attention but soon faced opposition as discussions about a new ordinance emerged. By 19 December, the Keene City Council officially adopted the measure, effectively banning casinos in the downtown area.
The ordinance specifically prohibits any casino-related developments in the city’s commercial core. While city officials have cited concerns about traffic, public safety, and the area’s character, some business advocates argue that such restrictions could stifle economic opportunities.
Legal Considerations and Questions of Fairness
Masten’s attorney, Patrick Queenan of the Manchester-based law firm Sheehan Phinney, hinted at possible legal action in a recent email to The Sentinel. According to Queenan, Masten is “reviewing the facts and circumstances” surrounding the ordinance’s passage. She is also scrutinising other events that, in her view, may have unfairly obstructed her efforts to open a charitable gaming facility.
The timing of the ordinance has raised eyebrows. Critics have questioned whether it was introduced and passed specifically to block Masten’s casino proposal. While no explicit evidence of such intent has been presented, the situation has sparked debate about the transparency and motivations behind local policymaking.
Economic and Social Impacts of the Ordinance
The ban has reignited broader discussions about casinos and their role in local economies. Proponents of casino development often highlight the potential for job creation, increased tourism, and funding for charitable causes. Charitable gaming, in particular, has been a key driver of community programmes in New Hampshire, with a portion of proceeds directed to non-profits.
However, opponents argue that casinos bring challenges, including increased traffic, potential strain on law enforcement, and concerns about gambling addiction. For Keene, a city known for its small-town charm, balancing these factors has proven contentious.
The ordinance’s broader impact on downtown businesses remains uncertain. Some local entrepreneurs worry that overly restrictive policies could deter investment and limit growth opportunities.
The Path Ahead: What Comes Next?
While Masten evaluates her legal options, the city of Keene faces its own challenges in defending the ordinance. Any lawsuit could potentially focus on issues such as procedural fairness, the reasoning behind the ordinance, and whether it disproportionately targets specific businesses.
- Was the ordinance enacted specifically to block Masten’s proposal?
- Did the city follow proper procedures in drafting and adopting the measure?
- How might a legal battle affect Keene’s reputation and future development efforts?
City officials have yet to comment publicly on the possibility of litigation, but the case could set a precedent for how municipalities regulate business activities and manage competing interests.
