Talks continue over Holyoke casino

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Conversations continue in Holyoke about a possible casino there.

Western Massachusetts Development Company, formerly Paper City Development, missed Wednesday's Phase 1 deadline. But they filed a petition to the Mass. Gaming Commission, asking for a 30-day extension.

Holyoke City Councilors told 22News they could possibly hold a public forum to hear from residents or possibly put a non-binding question about a casino on the primary election ballot in September, but nothing is on the agenda as of right now.

“We are going to see what happens because we need to deal with the state law, and the state law could potentially possibly change,” said Gordon Alexander of the Holyoke City Council. “But I have no expectations that it's going to change.”

City Councilor Joe Mcgiverin said, “Even though the current deadline has now gone and passed, we still feel like it's not over until a license is issued, so let's see what proposal could work for the mountain.”

Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said in a statement, “I expect the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to deny their request for an extension. I urge the Commission to abide by their own timeline and resist playing politics with Paper City Development."