Spfld casino process enter 1st phase

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - When it comes to a possible casino in Springfield, all the cards are on the table.

The city has to decide which of three proposals will appear on a ballot for a referendum vote.

All bets are off when it comes to which developers will make the next phase of this selection process.

The city has three choices.

MGM's proposal is for an $800 million casino that spans almost ten acres in the South End.

Ameristar wants to spend $900 million dollars to develop a resort casino on the former Westinghouse Property off Page Boulevard in East Springfield.

And most recently, Penn National Gaming entered the race with a proposal for an $800-million dollar casino in the North End where the Springfield Republican Newspaper is located.

A committee made up of the city's Development Officer, the Director of Public Works, the Deputy City Solicitor, Assessor and Finance Director will be responsible for combing through the details of each proposal, and then deciding which ones to place before residents during a referendum vote.

The first phase also involves the negotiation of a host community agreement which includes a community impact fee.

It's money that will be paid to the city from the developer.

Hard Rock International told 22News that they are still interested in developing somewhere in Massachusetts. Just not in Springfield.