Police continue to investigate Dairyland Greyhound Park fire as arson

KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A controversial piece of Kenosha’s history goes up in flames and the Kenosha Fire Department believes the fire was set on purpose.

The fire at the old Dairyland Greyhound Park started around 8 pm Tuesday.

Fire crews believe it was caused by arson. People who live in the neighborhood across street say the vacant land can be a problem.

“Kids mainly jump the fence and just go over there and hang out and do things they shouldn’t do,” Tracy Lee-Dorsey, Kenosha resident said.

Ron Luttrell worked at the track for 15 years in security and maintenance.

“I’m very saddened by it,” Luttrell said. “I couldn’t believe it.”

The building was in the process of being demolished when it caught fire. In 2015 Governor Walker rejected a plan to turn the building into a casino. It is now in the process of being redeveloped into an industrial park.

“This site has really been a hot spot over the last several decades,” Kenosha 17th District Alderman David Bogdala said. “Now we’re at a point where we’re turning the page and moving forward.”

While some people were against the park and the treatment of the dog, others say it was an icon of Kenosha.

“This is a landmark in our community,” Brianna Brandt, Kenosha resident, said. “It had been here for a very long time and meant something here to a lot of people.”

The Kenosha Fire Department’s investigation into the fire is complete.

Kenosha Police have not made any arrests as of Wednesday evening.