Windsor Locks town selectmen voted on Tuesday against the proposal for the construction of a casino at the Bradley International Airport. According to the proposed plan, the venue was to be built at one of three locations on the airport property – the former Terminal B, the Sheraton Hotel at the airport, and the recently launched Transportation Center.
The proposal comes at a time when Connecticut’s two federally recognized tribes – the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots, issued a request for proposals from potential host communities of their joint casino in the northern part of the state. The two tribes have repeatedly pointed out that a gambling venue in the region would be a direct competition to MGM Springfield, an $800-million hotel and casino complex set to open doors in 2018.
Last night, two of all three Windsor Locks selectmen cast negative votes against the project. First Selectman Steve Warwuck was the only one to approve the proposed casino. Commenting on the project, he said that the nearby airport really is the right place for a gambling venue as it is a perfect fit for the model the two tribes are trying to introduce.
Apart from the three selectmen, the Tuesday meeting was also attended by 50 other residents of the town and other interested individuals. It took about 45 minutes of public debate before the three officials cast their votes.
Commenting on the rejected proposal, Kevin Dillon, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority said that the town has lost an excellent opportunity for new jobs and revenue. Yet, the executive noted that Windsor Locks has made its point clear and they will respect that position.
Generally speaking, the casino proposal met strong support and vocal opposition, as any such projects usually do. Proponents said that the town should not miss an opportunity for the creation of much-needed jobs and a source of substantial revenue. Opponents, on the other hand, voiced concerns that a casino could have quite a negative effect on residents’ well-being. What is more, its establishment could potentially result in higher taxes as the airport would require stronger police presence, once a gambling facility is opened there.
Selectman Michael Russo, one of the Windsor Locks officials who voted against the airport casino, said that a gambling venue would not bring that many positives as expected.
Some residents complained after last night’s meeting that they were not given the opportunity to state their opinion on the proposal. They argued that the matter is too big and a public hearing where locals could express openly what they think of a potential casino in the region should be held.
The Mohegan and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribes are to receive proposals from interested communities up until November 6. The two tribes have promised that they will announce their decision on which Northern Connecticut town or city will host the future casino before December 15.
