Businesses consider casino impact

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Holyoke is the latest city to show interest in getting the only casino license in Western Massachusetts.

There are big plans for resort-style casinos in the Paper City and business owners in the area just want to know how they'll fit into the equation.

"If I lived here, I don't think I'd be as happy,' said "The Cottage" co-owner Wendy Werbiskis.

Werbiskis doesn't live in Holyoke, but she does have a business there and one week after learning Mayor Alex Morse is considering casino proposals, she, like others, are trying to gauge what's ahead.

"I go to Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods once in a while and I don't stop at any businesses in the area or along the way, I go there as the destination. So, I dont think it would help us, but I don't necessarily think it would hurt us either."

Two casino groups paid the city's $25,000 fee to proceed with their proposals: one at Mountain Park, the other at Wyckoff Country Club.

The businesses along Northampton Street in particular are fairly close to both proposed casino sites and as the city considers a casino seriously, business owners are wondering how this will impact their bottom line.

Nick's Nest owner Jennifer Chateauneuf admits she's not happy about the prospect of a casino.

"We go to Foxwoods we go to Mohegan, and I just don't see business booming there and I'm afraid that's what's going to happen to Holyoke."

Both say they have loyal customers they think will stick by them no matter what.

"I think (the casino) is going to help them to be honest," said Nick's Nest customer Raymond Jarrett.

There is also a third party that's expressed interest in building a non-profit casino.

They have not yet paid the $25,000 fee.