Holyoke Mayor opposes extension request by casino developer

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse is urging the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to deny the request of Paper City Development to allow for an extension in Phase One of the state's casino application process.

Mayor Morse released a statement Tuesday after the state's gaming commission announced 11 companies had submitted preliminary applications along with $400,000 nonrefundable entry fees.

Statement from Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse:

"I'm very pleased that Paper City Development failed to submit their application by today's deadline. I expect the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to deny their request for an extension. I urge the Commission to abide by their own timeline and resist playing politics with Paper City Development. They had their opportunity to put down the $400,000 and they missed it. I don't see why any gaming operator would come to Holyoke given my position, as it's a dead issue in Holyoke. Furthermore, any attempt by the Holyoke City Council to put a non-binding question on the ballot in regards to casinos will not have my support. While our surrounding cities spend their time and energy on bringing a hopeless industry to their communities, Holyoke will continue to make great progress in economic development, education, and public safety. Holyoke is poised to become the art and innovation capital of Western Massachusetts - and today's news only asserts that vision."