Members of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission backed the MGM proposal concerning their Springfield project. MGM officials requested the MassGaming Commission to allow them to start early demolition of the boarding house on Bliss St. and the Howard St. Primary School, and begin constructing their $950 million casino resort.
Back in the summer, the Gaming Commission officials gave MGM the nod to open the casino in 2018 and since then, MGM representatives have been proposing changes to the project. Initially, they were planning on establishing a 25-story tower but then they opted in favor of a “low rise” building and increased the cost of the project by $150 million. The resort was to spread over more than 880,000 square feet, but the overall square footage has also been reduced.
The Gaming Commission members will also have to take a stance on the proposed design changes, but the decision is to be made at a later stage. Yesterday’s vote enabled MGM to start working on the casino site but Stephen Crosby said that the Commission can always second-guess and raise concerns over the design if needed.
The project, started by MGM, includes a thorough renovation of the existing buildings in the town. New buildings are also to be to constructed. According to the plan “extensive landscaping” and storm water management water system are to be established.
Bruce Stebbins, a Gaming Commission member, raised concerns over the traffic on Union Street and the make-up of the retail sections that are to be located within the casino resort. Stebbins also said he was disappointed with the fact that many people will lose their jobs and questioned the decrease in payroll, which will amount to $124 million.
According to a memo, compiled by HLT Advisory, consultants of the Gaming Commission, the elimination of the hotel cafe and switching from a buffet to a food court would affect the payroll in a negative manner.
City Council officials are also expected to discuss the idea of the creation of a special casino district on Monday.
Michael Mathis, the MGM Springfield President, commented on the matter and said that the approval the project has just received was going to play an important role in future. He also added that MGM officials remain focused on working closely with the city representatives and receiving the final approval for demolition and construction within the city.
MGM Springfield is scheduled to open in September 2018, but it already had its ceremonial groundbreaking in March.
