It also will mean that a once dying major intersection will have new life breathed into it.

It is certainly welcoming news for northeast Ohio that Caesars and Rock Gaming plan to invest $88-million to upgrade Thistledown Race Track and install slot machines.

It’s even better news for the Village of North Randall where the thoroughbred track has made its home for decades. For years, the tiny village who been a mere shadow of itself when it boasted Randall Park Mall and other amenities.

It’s also good news for area residents in the tri-communities – Highland Hills, Warrensville Heights and North Randall – who will see untold millions of dollars pumped into their shared school district because of the infusion of tax dollars.

As important, this is good news for Greater Clevelanders who seek employment at the new venue.

For years, North Randall has been the talk of mergers with an adjacent municipality and its imminent demise.

This is all a thing of the past now that Thistledown is being revamped.

The renovation and introduction of slot machines will mean bigger purses for horsemen.

It also will mean that a once dying major intersection will have new life breathed into it.

Indeed, Christmas has come early for North Randall.

And with Christmas around the corner that also means a New Year to the village.