Penn National delivers proposals to City Council

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Phase II deadline for final proposals for casinos in the city of Springfield was January 3. That day, Both MGM and Penn National submitted their plans. MGM brought boxes and boxes of documents to the City Hall while Penn National mailed theirs in.

But on Friday, Penn National hand-delivered their proposals to City Council Chambers.

Peter Pan Bus Lines' Peter Picknelly and Penn National staff members carried 13 binders into Springfield City Hall.

Penn National's Eric Schippers told 22News that Mayor Domenic Sarno had asked them to bring copies of their proposals so City Councilors can review their plans.

The proposal includes relocating the current Republican building to an industrial area by Smith and Wesson, and revitalizing Union Station.

As they made the delivery, 22News asked Schippers about small businesses in the North End. He said that their goal is to work with them, not against them.

“How we are going to reach across the community and do cross-marketing and promotions with area businessess? So, things like bringing the Student Prince and the Fort into our casino, we are going to view what we produce as complimentary, not competitive to them," Schippers said.

Mayor Sarno has until January 25 to decide which company he wants to negotiate a host agreement with. He could choose one or both proposed casinos.

Residents can see these plans as well by visiting each developer's headquarters in downtown Springfield.