Penn National reveals casino proposal details

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Two developers want to change the skyline of Springfield with a resort casino. One of the developers, Penn National, has been relatively quiet about their proposal until Tuesday night.

Both MGM and Penn National made presentations during a public forum in Springfield, but Penn National’s presentation didn’t include as many details as many people had hoped.

At Tuesday night's public forum, Penn National revealed details of their casino proposal for Springfield's North End.

The developer hopes to buy the Republican newspaper's building and the Peter Pan bus station.

Penn National said their focus will be on incorporating local businesses, like a sports bar retired quarterback Doug Floutie wants to open.

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for Penn National Eric Schippers told 22News “We want to find businesses that we can bring inside the casino, notable restaurants notable brands because this is not about a cookie cutter approach this is to fit the fabric and the pattern of Springfield.”

Penn National will reveal more details of their proposal at an event on December 20th. MGM on the other hand has already revealed many details of their proposal. They know exactly where their restaurants will be, where their shops will be and where their entertainment venues will be.

The latest addition to MGM's proposal was an apartment building with 57 units and a plan to redevelop Riverfront Park.

Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Springfield, told 22News “I think we are pleased with where we stand in the process. We've had the full engagement with the community now for a better part of 6 to 9 months. We think we understand the community, and time will tell.”

Penn National still needs to pay the $400,000 application fee. Both developers are competing against Mohegan in Palmer and possibly a developer in Holyoke.