Revere seeks Wonderland assets in tax dispute

The City of Revere filed a motion in Suffolk Superior Court yesterday to seize assets from Wonderland Greyhound Park after officials alleged the racetrack owners failed to make a $250,000 payment in back taxes.

Revere asked the court to issue an order that would include seizure and collection of rents and other income from Wonderland, the latest woes for an ailing racetrack that is threatened under a November ballot initiative that could ban dog racing.

In July, the city began foreclosure proceedings on the track for failure to pay about $790,000 in taxes since 2006, as well as $16,673 in utility bills. After the city also moved to revoke the track's liquor and parking licenses, the track presented a plan for paying its back taxes.

After several payments, the track still owes about $535,400, according to Gerry D'Ambrosio, a lawyer for the city.

D'Ambrosio said the track is more than a week late in making a scheduled $250,000 payment, which triggered the court filing.

But a spokesman for the track disputed that assertion, saying a payment was sent on time.

"According to our records, we're up to date and we're on schedule," said Wes Eberle. "We've also notified the town we'll be paying $250,000 at the beginning of next week."

In August Wonderland agreed to form a partnership with Suffolk Downs and solidify a possible bid for a Boston-area casino. The agreement would give Suffolk Downs an option to purchase Wonderland and the two entities would share financial benefits from future developments at either site.

Matt Viser can be reached at maviser@globe.com