MGM is making changes to the resort casino it’s building in Springfield.
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Some expressed concerns and frustration at the changes. “… Rest assured that the proposed changes will not jeopardize our planned completion date of September 2018 and will result in no reduction, but instead likely an increase, to the $800 million investment in the Project committed to in our RFA-2 application”.
By the end of the session, which lasted almost two hours, the commission had asked MGM to reaffirm its commitment to the project – to which Mathis delivered an unqualified yes – and said it will keep a close eye on the proposed changes.
The Springfield casino, which has been billed as the largest economic development project in western Massachusetts in a half-century, has already been delayed a year because of the reconstruction of Interstate 91, which runs directly in front of the casino site.
“But that said, we are fully committed to this design and this project”, Mathis said, clearing his throat.
But in testimony before the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Thursday morning, MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis indicated the decision was driven more by a desire to cut costs than improved urban planning. The revision moves the hotel to the corner of Main and Howard, and reduces it to a six-story structure.
“I take him at face value”, he said.
Zuniga questioned whether the lack of a recognizable tower would hamper MGM’s ability to attract “players” to the casino.
Crosby said the commission’s consultants would have to review the changes before the commission voted whether to approve them. “What’s also unchanged is the total budget commitment”. The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes signed an agreement earlier this month to seek proposals from north-central Connecticut towns willing to host a so-called “convenience” casino that would be expected to soften MGM Springfield’s expected impact on Connecticut jobs and gaming revenue.
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Connecticut wants a federal court to toss out a lawsuit filed by casino developer MGM Resorts worldwide, which challenged the constitutionality of a law creating a multi-step process for a possible third tribal casino along the Massachusetts border. “We look forward to responding and our day in Court”.
