Wonderland plans second payment of back taxes

REVERE – Wonderland Greyhound Park officials will have a better idea by next week when they can make a second six-figure payment to the city against their overdue municipal bills.The track slightly reduced a nearly $800,000 property tax and water bill last week with a $175,000 payment. Wonderland President Richard Dalton said discussions with Suffolk Downs officials would give Wonderland management a better idea of when it can make a second payment of $250,000 to the city.”I think everything will come together in the next five business days,” Dalton said.Wonderland’s August merger with Suffolk included a provision to help Wonderland pay off municipal debts dating back to 2006. The city has initiated foreclosure proceedings against Wonderland in state Land Court.The License Commission is also reviewing the status of Wonderland’s liquor and other licenses on a month-by-month basis and holding off on revocation proceedings contingent on the track paying off its debts.The Wonderland-Suffolk partnership gives Suffolk Downs an option to purchase Wonderland and for the two entities to share in the potential benefits from future development at both sites.Dalton said there are no immediate plans under the merger to alter Wonderland’s operations. The track has filed an application with the state Racing Commission to host 100 racing days in 2009.It faces a challenge by dog racing foes seeking passage of a Nov. 4 ballot proposal phasing out racing in Massachusetts.Both Suffolk Downs and Wonderland have been operating as pari-mutual wagering facilities since 1935.The track employs 350 workers including many Revere residents. Its bid to get legislative approval to host slot machines has fallen short despite claims of a revenue bonanza for the city and the state.Dalton would not elaborate Tuesday on the next phase in the track merger. Mayor Thomas Ambrosino said the track’s plans would be dictated by future legislative discussion on bringing gambling to Massachusetts, perhaps next spring.”The next chapter won’t be written until there is a resolution on gaming,” Ambrosino said.