She figures she can live with the townhouses planned for the site - but only if they are no taller than two stories. Levin said the Garden State development will enable more senior citizens like the Rogerses to stay in town after they raise their families. He believes a technology complex much like those on Route 1 in the Princeton area would most benefit the community. Prospects for the retail center will depend on how much the economy slows, he said. Hamer said the track land is unlikely to fill the bill.
Taxable properties abound in the mixed-use plan, including a hotel and restaurant.
Currently, the track is Cherry Hill's second-highest taxpayer, behind Cherry Hill Mall. There is historic value in retaining parts of the track's illustrious past, Levin said. The 1,500-seat pavilion initially designed for horse auctions will be a community center suitable for cultural events or large corporate gatherings. And street names such as Filly Avenue and Thoroughbred Way are being trotted out for consideration. Pennwood Racing, the consortium that leases the track, will open its final thoroughbred meet April 13.