ANNAPOLIS, Md. — A 149-year tradition in Baltimore is now in jeopardy of being moved.
Two house bills were heard by law makers on Friday. One that favors keeping the Preakness in Baltimore and one that moves it to Laurel.
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Mayor Catherine Pugh went to Annapolis on Friday to spread one message.
"We're not letting go of Preakness," said Pugh.
The Stronach Group owns both Laurel and Pimlico. Pugh says the City and the State invested money to improve Pimlico but, she says most of that money went to improve the track at Laurel.
"They didn't invest, they didn't invest in Pimlico. They should have been investing they've been there for 15 years, come on they should do the right thing by Baltimore. This is Baltimore City," said Pugh.
George Mitchell has lived in Park Heights, where Pimlico is, all his life and he isn't so happy about the move.
"They gonna take Old Bay away from us? They gonna take the Ravens away form us? They gonna take the Orioles from us? They're not gonna take the Preakness," said Mitchell.
The Park Heights community was well-represented in Annapolis. Mayor says the City and State has done their part to make the Preakness better.
"Life Bridge is willing to make over $100 million investment, we invested over a $100 million in investments. You got a new library coming up on Park Heights. You've got 17 acres that have already been torn down for redevelopment. In Park heights, we've got homes, new homes coming," said Pugh.
Delegate Kathy Szeliga represents Baltimore and Harford County. She says she was surprised that people said the facility in Laurel was better and felt the opportunities were better.
"You don't just get to tear us apart, you know, because we're trying to rebuild and build neighborhoods and communities that have been under-invested in," said Pugh.
