Arlington housing put on accelerated schedule

Construction of Arlington Park's new housing facilities  (Arlington Park)

Arlington Park President Cliff Goodrich announced Monday that the

construction of a new housing

project, which was originally scheduled to be finished in two phases over the

next 17 months, will now be completed by the start of the meet in May.

The

plan calls for a pair of two-story buildings, each with 48 units, to be

constructed in the northwest section of the backstretch. Ground was broken for

the project on November 14, 2004.

"We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to make our new

housing for backstretch residents available sooner than originally planned,

Goodrich said. "This is a continuing indication of Arlington Park's long-term

commitment to improving the quality of life while ensuring the safety of

families on the backstretch."

The 160-acre Arlington Park backstretch is home to 2,140 horses and approximately 1,100 backstretch

residents during the racing season. The track provides free housing to

individuals who work for trainers and are not employees of the track.

Arlington Park's 94-day meet begins on May 13 and runs through September

18.