Springfield may choose development partner

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Springfield may be ready to take an important step in their casino selection process. On Friday, they may announce which developer they want to negotiate with.

Springfield can choose to go with MGM, Penn National or both.

The decision may come on Friday, or it may get postponed until the city's Chief Development Officer, Kevin Kennedy, has enough time to review the details of both proposals. He met last night with the city's Casino Selection Advisory Committee.

• MGM wants to build in the South End
• Penn National wants to build in the North End

Whichever proposals get approved will go up for a city-wide referendum vote that could come as soon as June.

If a developer doesn't get preference in Springfield, they have until June to find another city willing to take on their plan.

Chicopee has said they are interested.

The state gaming commission will award the first resort casino license on or before February 26th of 2014.