The City of Springfield informed on Monday MGM Springfield officials that the revised site plan for the $800-million hotel and casino, which was submitted last week, was incomplete and required more details on the project to be provided.
Philip Dromey, Deputy Director of Planning for Springfield, returned the submitted plan to Blue Tarp Redevelopment LLC, known to be MGM Springfield’s development arm, saying in a letter on the matter that more information would be needed before the new design of the venue was approved.
Last week, MGM Resorts International, the gambling operator behind the ambitious project, informed city officials that it planned to reduce the size of its complex by about 14%. It also noted that the initially proposed 25-story glass hotel tower would be removed and would be replaced by a 6-story hotel facility, which too would feature 250 rooms.
Mr. Dromey said in his letter to MGM Springfield officials that the submitted site and design plans were not consistent with what had originally been agreed upon in the Host Community Agreement between the city and the gambling operator.
The official also listed a number of other important documents and numerous details that would need to be provided. Mr. Dromey noted that they would not review any proposed changes, unless MGM Springfield explains in what manner those meet the Host Community Agreement’s provisions.
In addition to this, the developer of the multi-million-dollar project will need to show that the venue will be consistent with both city and state planning laws. The design of the new hotel and casino complex will also have to be compatible with that of the surrounding buildings. What is more, buildings with historic value should be treated by the developer with special attention.
MGM Springfield will also have to ensure that the featured public facilities and amenities promote “safety, comfort, and convenience.”
The Springfield City Council was informed about the returned site plan at a special Monday meeting at the City Hall. Officials noted that its is now up to the developer to respond to all the posed questions and to provide the needed information in due course.
Kevin Kennedy, Chief Development Officer for Springfield, revealed that MGM will be expected to provide its comprehensive responses in the week starting November 16. The official said that no adequate information had been provided regarding plot plans as well as a landscaping plan. Yet, he noted that “there is nothing dramatic” and that City Councilors simply need to be presented with certain details in order to be able to review the revised plan.
It was also announced that James Murren, CEO of MGM Resorts International, together with other executives at the gambling operator will meet Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and local advisers on Thursday in order to discuss the proposed changes.
