The New London City Council made the right move this past week when it opted to let the newly elected council decide whether to approve an off-track betting operation as a part of a new restaurant and sports bar proposed for the downtown.

It is seldom a good idea for lame duck councils to saddle a successor with the fallout from a substantial decision. Better to let the new council, which will be setting the agenda for revitalization efforts over the next two years, make the call.

By waiting, the council also put greater separation between itself and the local developer seeking the permit, former City Councilor William M. Cornish. Three current councilors on the seven-person council served with Mr. Cornish during his 2005-2007 term. Come next month, only one councilor remains from that earlier council - Rob Pero.

This decision could prove controversial either way it goes. Mr. Cornish, who owns several downtown properties and has shown a commitment to the city through those investments, would certainly not take it as a good sign if the council rejects his business model. City officials have repeatedly stressed a willingness to work with business people interested in filling downtown vacancies. Mr. Cornish says that is all he is asking - for the city to work with him.

Yet bringing legalized gaming into the downtown is not your typical business model. Will the easy access to gambling prey upon the desperation of some, particularly the city's lower-income citizens? Does OTB fit in with the vision for revitalization of the district?

Mr. Cornish said the betting counter at his proposed establishment, tentatively named Cooperwood, would be ancillary to the normal sports pub atmosphere. He anticipates the majority of patrons who come to the restaurant and bar planned at 24 Eugene O'Neill Drive will be there for the sports telecasts, the food and the socializing. That atmosphere would seem to fit in fine with the mix of entertainment opportunities downtown.

The OTB counter, he said, would result in a base of customers, providing a stronger business foundation for the business. And the rental fees paid by Autotote Enterprises, the off-track betting company that would operate the gaming, also bolsters the business model, he said.

Indeed, at JD Coopers in Putnam, where an OTB facility was added to an established sports bar several months ago, the off-track betting appears to meld in as one more recreational opportunity, not necessarily the dominant one. Autotote runs a dozen OTB locations in the state.

New London would get a 1.6 percent cut of OTB earnings, estimated at about $70,000 a year. But that potential revenue should not factor into the council's decision. The main concern is what is best for the downtown.

Since that is the priority, the council should seriously consider seeking a recommendation from New London Main Street, the revitalization program charged with the mission of "preserving, enhancing and promoting the New London historic waterfront district." Penny Parsekian, chief executive officer, said, if asked, the organization would be willing to assess the pros and cons of the request.

While not thrilled at the prospect of more gambling, we recognize it is now part of the social fabric. Given its prevalence, aversion to gambling does not seem reason enough to reject Mr. Cornish's proposal.

Considering the current facts, our inclination is to let Mr. Cornish try his OTB model. But more discussion is in order before the council reaches a decision.