June 25 referendum may not be possible

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The clock is ticking for Springfield to workout a deal with a casino developer if it wants to hold a city-wide vote on the day of the U.S. Senate special election.

Springfield continues to negotiate a host community agreement with both MGM and Penn National Gaming.  The city, MGM and Penn National have all said they would prefer just one company on the referendum.   

Springfield's Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy told 22News if the casino referendum is to be held on June 25th, the city council needs to approve a host community agreement by April 25th. 

Although, the law says that the casino developer will ask for the exact date of the vote.

According to state regulations, the host community shall hold the referendum between sixty to ninety days after such request.