Petition to keep Holyoke in casino game

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A lawyer working for Western Massachusetts Development Company, formerly Paper City Development filed a petition to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to allow more time to file a Phase 1 Application. 

Paul Nicolai of the Nicolai Law Group told the 22News I-Team the petition asks for an extension of 30 days after the special senate general election.  Nicolai says the Holyoke City Council is considering a non-binding question on the ballot during the upcoming special election about the casino.

The petition was filed because the WM Development Company is still unclear whether the city of Holyoke will consider serving as a host community.  In November, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse opened the door to a potential gaming partner, but closed that door a few weeks later.

Paper City Development at the time and Mountain Park's Eric Suher both deposited $25,000 to the city in a grant.  Paper City Development says that it has yet to get its refundable money back, according to a source. 

In 2010, Paper City Development secured an option to buy the 100-acre Wyckoff Country Club property. 

Tuesday's deadline is only for background checks on investors.  A casino developer who has paid and is linked to another site could move to another location, the actual site proposals are not due to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission until possibly June.