Firm makes recommendation on casino

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - By Monday, we should know more about Springfield's Phase 2 casino process.

The city may choose to negotiate with MGM, Penn National or both.

Two proposals; one city.

MGM in the South End or Penn National in the North End.

Both proposals have been submitted and the city has been doing it's due diligence to try and figure out which one would be most beneficial.

They hired a consulting firm, who just made a recommendation that the city look at negotiating a host community agreement with both developers.

Consulting firm Shefsky and Froelich, along with the city's casino site committee have been going over everything from traffic mitigation plans, to job creation to urban renewal in their quest to find the best partner.

After the city figures out who it will negotiate with, the residents will have their say VIA a casino referendum vote, and ultimately the state gaming commission will decide which community gets a casino.