MGM and Penn National's plans and goals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - For Penn National, it's using Peter Pan Bus Lines and advertising to everyone who takes the bus. For MGM, it's using its name -- MGM Grand in Las Vegas -- and its membership network.

Either way, both developers promised on Monday they'll make Springfield the new go-to entertainment destination with minimal traffic congestion.

Both developers’ traffic studies say, they can expect nearly 4 million cars coming to Springfield each year if a casino is built here.

That means tourists, busier restaurants and packed entertainment venues.

Eric Schippers, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Penn National Gaming said “Traffic can be a good thing because it's going to breath new life into the downtown corridor.”

But at Monday's casino presentations, residents wanted to know, how can local roads handle 50-thousand cars per week?

Both MGM and Penn National said the majority of casino visitors will rely on I-91 to get to Springfield, so they both on re-developing or enhancing exit and entrance ramps. They also promised that residents' daily commute will not be disrupted.

President of MGM Springfied Bill Hornbuckle told 22News “Remember, casinos are 24/7, 365 a year. Businesses between 8 and 9 in the morning, you'll see a big hump in traffic. Ours is at 7 p.m. at night. So if you think about it, they complement each other, the way the traffic flows.”

Schippers said “We have convenient access to 91 and 291. We are able to mitigate any concerns because we don't touch any residential area.”

When it comes to non-gambling entertainment... MGM promised 12 shows per year. Penn National said they've already partnered up with 7 restaurants.

But residents said, no matter whom they bring, it's all about the outcome.

Carol Kerr of Springfield said “If you're going to do something this exciting for the community, then have it be something that's going to benefit us.”

On Tuesday both developers will answer more questions from the Springfield City Council.

City Councilor Tim Rooke said what they are looking for is who can turn bigger profits so taxpayers eventually pay less.