Michael Fenton, the President of the City Council, announced that two additional meetings of the city council have been scheduled. During the meetings, city officials are expected to make a decision related to the casino site plan, proposed by MGM Springfield. However, he added that the thorough evaluation is not believed to delay or harm the project in any way.
Those who keep themselves informed about the matter know that four meetings were held in January. Each of them lasted approximately 90 minutes and city officials and residents were given the chance to discuss the design changes and the site plan of the $950 million casino project.
Mr. Fenton confirmed that the deliberations were not likely to delay the MGM construction and added that he has been keeping in touch with MGM representatives. They have been given the necessary approvals, so they were able to complete their project within the set deadlines. The new casino is expected to host its first visitors sometime in 2018. Meanwhile, the demolition of old buildings has already started.
As far as council meetings are concerned, Mr. Fenton said they were scheduled for February 17th and February 22nd at the City Hall.
The City Council President also said the upcoming meetings will be longer and added it was about time for the city officials to take a final stance on the matter and called for efficiency and diligence. He confessed that the MGM casino has been the biggest project in Springfield so far and there were many details that needed to be taken into consideration. Due to the importance of the casino project, city representatives needed to find the most suitable approach to every issue.
When asked why he had scheduled only two meetings, Mr. Fenton said that it was pretty difficult to pick up dates convenient to all city councils and make sure all of them can be available. The next two meetings will go on as long as necessary or until the councils decide to adjourn.
Owners of the properties located in a close proximity to the future casino raised concerns over the traffic, lighting, environmental and parking issues. They asked the city council to find a proper solution to the problems brought about by the casino construction. One of the abutters was said to have sent 30 conditions regarding the MGM Springfield project.
Fenton said it was possible for the city council to cover all hot topics, related to the casino construction in the two scheduled meetings. He also confirmed that amendments to the Host Community Agreement between Springfield and MGM are to be put forward as well.
