Officials for Whitman announced that they have been working on an agreement that would provide the Southeastern Massachusetts’ town with mitigating funds, if a casino is approved to be built in neighboring Brockton.
Frank Lynam, Whitman Town Administrator, told media that all neighboring communities have the right to expect compensation for the impact the proposed $650-million hotel and casino resort, which is planned to be built on the Brockton Fairgrounds, would have.
Mr. Lynam commented that the gambling venue is the biggest issue for its host city. However, the official noted that its “scope and breadth” would certainly turn it into an issue for all surrounding towns and cities. This is why he said that certain familiarization “would be appropriate” for all the neighboring communities.
Holbrook and Stoughton are among the towns that have already agreed on the terms of their Surrounding Community Agreements. Mr. Lynam told local media that Whitman officials have been discussing the matter with Mass Gaming & Entertainment, known to be the developer of the proposed Brockton casino project.
The Town Administrator explained that proposals have been swinging back and forth between the town, town officials, and the casino council, and that the involved parties have been in a continuing dialogue. Mr. Lynam expressed hope that an agreement will be reached and presented at a town officials meeting, scheduled for January 5.
Surrounding towns have up until January 10 to reach an agreement with the Brockton casino developer. Otherwise, they will have to go to arbitration in order to be able to settle their mitigation funding.
Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission said that it would announce its decision whether the proposed casino project will be awarded the Southeastern Massachusetts license in the spring of 2016. State gaming officials explained that they want to review Mass Gaming & Entertainment’s application carefully and comprehensively.
If approved, the $650-million casino resort would be the third full-scale gambling venue to open doors within Massachusetts’ borders. MGM Resorts International is currently building a $950-million luxury hotel and casino complex in downtown Springfield. The venue is expected to open doors in the fall of 2018.
Las Vegas gambling giant Wynn Resorts is the licensee for the Greater Boston area casino. The company plans to launch a $1.7-billion integrated resort on the Everett waterfront. And apart from the three fully-fledged casinos, Massachusetts gaming regulators awarded a license for the establishment of a slots parlor in Plainville. Plainridge Park Casino opened doors in June, thus becoming the state’s first legal gambling venue.
