Public to voice opinions on casino voting issue

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - On Monday evening, the public will have another chance to speak out on issues involving casino gambling in Springfield.

One of the items on the agenda for Monday’s meeting and public speakout is the question of who should be able to vote on the casino referendum question. As the state law stands, Massachusetts’ three largest communities are only required to get voter approval from the ward in which a casino would be located. There have, however, been calls for the casino question to be voted on by all residents of Springfield.

The Planning and Economic Development Committee will plan further public meetings to discuss the voting issue.

Monday’s is the first public speak out session following last Thursday's application deadline . That day, three developers (MGM International, Penn National, and Ameristar Casinos) submitted their proposals, along with a $50,000 application fee.

MGM hopes to build a resort-style casino along Main Street in the South End from State Street to Union Street.

Penn-National wants to develop a resort casino on land in the North End that includes the Peter Pan Bus Terminal and the Republican newspaper building.

Ameristar is looking to build a resort casino on land they own on Page Boulevard in East Springfield, which used to be a Westinghouse industrial plant.