Casino could be coming to South End

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Could the South End of Springfield be the future home of a resort casino?

MGM Resorts International may soon be placing their bets on the historic area.

City Council President James Ferrera is the head of the city's casino site committee.

He told 22News executives from MGM came to meet with him last week to express their interest in the South End.

MGM previously expressed interest in Brimfield but withdrew those plans due to traffic and residential concerns.

Fererra said MGM has already drafted renderings and plans for a casino site at Main Street between State and Union Streets.

MGM executives told Ferrera they have options to buy up all of the properties on those city blocks.

“I think it's going to bring a lot of new people in here and it's going to give us a lot of opportunities,” Gloryvee Verges of Springfield told 22News.

“Bring the money, bring the jobs, that's good for people,” said Jose Delgado

But not everybody's on board.

22News asked Ferrera what would happen to the landmark businesses in that area, like Red Rose Pizza.

He said the local business impact would have to be discussed in negotiations between the winning developer and the city.

MGM told Ferrera they'll make an official announcement within 30 days.