Springfield Chamber of Commerce endorses casino

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A major group that advocates for the interest of Springfield businesses is coming out in support of building a casino in the city.

The Springfield Chamber of Commerce announced Monday that its Board of Directors has voted to support the licensing of a casino within the city limits.

In a position paper, the Chamber cited a casino’s potential to generate $15 million in annual property tax collection and to cut the city’s 11% unemployment rate as the main reasons behind their endorsement.

“On behalf of its more than 550 members, the Springfield Chamber Board of Directors believes that while no one economic development project is ever the answer for needed growth in the City, a casino and the associated taxes and jobs weighed heavily in its favor,” Chamber President Jeffrey Ciuffreda said in a statement sent to 22News.

Still, the support is not unconditional. The Chamber voted to endorse a “Springfield-based casino development that adequately addresses the issues and concerns of the membership of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.” The Chamber is finalizing a list of concerns that they will bring before Mayor Domenic Sarno and the state’s Gaming Commission, which include social concerns and the effect of a casino on existing area businesses.