Property taxes could go down with a casino

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield residents want to know if their property taxes will go up, go down or stay the same if a resort casino is built in the city.

If a resort casino can create more jobs and bring in more revenue, many residents say they will vote Yes on the casino referendum. But their "Yes" could easily change.

Emily Goins who lives near Wilbraham Road in Springfield told 22News, “I consider myself a middle classer, and I do feel kind of squeezed a little bit since I'm paying taxes constantly. So I'm tired.”

Many people are worried their property values will go up if a casino is built. That means they'll have to pay higher property taxes.

Residents say they want clear answers to these two questions; will their property taxes go up? And if so, by how much?

The city's casino consultant, Cezar Froelich says the taxes could actually go down.

The city could get the developer to agree to pay for services or facilities they need, and that agreement could also cover additional taxes or fees.

Froelich said, “If the casino is going to generate a need for three more police cars and seven more fire trucks, just making up things, we shouldn't pay for that. They would pay for that.”

But "Maybe" isn't good enough for some people.

Chair of the Casino Site Committee Paula Meara said “People want a yes or no answer. I don't think they want to say it depends upon services... it depends upon this.”

This negotiation on who’s going to pay exactly how much for expenses and fees will not begin until after Phase II.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has until October 30th to choose one or more developers to advance to Phase 2.