MGM Resorts, the gambling operator in charge of the $800-million Springfield casino, submitted on Thursday a new schedule for its project to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. Under the new plan, the gambling facility is to be completed in August 2018 and to have its official opening on September 5, 2018. Originally, the property was expected to open doors for visitors in the fall of 2017.
MGM officials explained that the main reason for their move was the delay in the project for the Interstate 91 viaduct’s rehabilitation. According to them, it would make it difficult for the casino operator to follow its initial plan and open its property on time. The reconstruction project would close important lanes and exits in near proximity to the $800-million casino.
Michael Mathis, President of MGM Springfield, commented that the rehabilitation plan would be devastating for their own project as well as for downtown Springfield. Mr. Mathis also explained that there is an imminent connection between the construction of MGM Springfield and the viaduct’s reconstruction and as the latter project has been delayed, MGM officials have decided that it would be appropriate to postpone the casino’s opening date.
Michael Verseckes, spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, said that the agency does not consider it necessary for the MGM Springfield project to be delayed due to the Interstate 91 one. The reconstruction of the key viaduct was postponed six months, as certain refinements needed to be implemented.
During a Thursday meeting of the state Gaming Commission, MGM officials asked for an approval of an updated construction plan, under which the property is to officially open doors on September 5, 2018 or 30 days after the Interstate 91 exits it needs are scheduled to be reopened.
Stephen Crosby, Chairman of the state gambling regulator, said that the commission would consider the plan and is likely to approve it, even though that would result in the state losing $125 million in gaming revenue. He also pointed out that the regulator would do the necessary due diligence before proceeding with the plan’s approval. Commissioners are to vote on it no earlier than their next meeting, which is scheduled for July.
Springfield officials, Mayor Domenic Sarno included, sent a letter to the commission to express their support for the latest casino plan. It was also announced that MGM would pay the additional amount of $1 million to the city by the fall of 2017. Under its financial commitments to Springfield, the casino operator is to also pay a community impact fee of $2.5 million by May 8, 2017, and annual payments of $2.5 million as of July 1, 2018.
