Discussion on Spfld casino referendum

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - There are some important decisions that still have to be made before Springfield selects a casino partner, and Tuesday night, city residents will have the chance to voice their opinions about a possible casino.

The Springfield Casino Site Committee will meet at 5:00 P.M. at City Hall inside the City Council Chambers.

The agenda includes a discussion of whether or not it would be possible to create a special "casino zone" in the city.

Whether a casino actually comes to Springfield would be decided first by city residents, and then finally by the state Gaming Commission, which is in charge of awarding the licenses.

The Casino Site Committee will also be talking about whether the referendum vote should be city-wide or limited to the affected wards.

The state gaming law requires that a vote be held, but gives some leeway on how to implement it in larger communities like Boston and Springfield.

The casino selection process in Springfield has not been without its snags and hurdles.

The state Ethics Commission only recently decided that the hiring of a casino consulting firm that had lobbying ties to potential developers was not a conflict of interest.

The City also just agreed to slow down their selection process after being criticized by the state Gaming Commission for moving too fast.

Potential developers now have until the end of October to submit a development plan.

If you can't make this meeting, another one will be held on Thursday at the Greenleaf Community Center in Sixteen Acres at 6:00 P.M.