Wyckoff property still in casino mix

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Holyoke's application process to ultimately negotiate a host agreement for a potential casino is underway.  Holyoke's Director of Planning Economic Development Marcos Marrero told 22News Eric Suher's group at Mountain Park and Paper City Development at Wyckoff Country Club have both submitted a $25,000 grant to the city, which was due Friday.

Below is a statement sent to 22News by Paper City Development:

Paper City Development, LLC received a Federal Express package yesterday (Thursday) afternoon from Holyoke Economic Development Director, Marcos Marrero with the initial  official criteria required of a casino developer to enter into the city’s process for negotiation of a resort destination casino in Holyoke.

Entry requires a $25,000 “gift” from any potential developer to the city to help with the costs of the city’s consultation costs. The $25,000 must be paid today (Friday).

Paper City Development, LLC (PCD) has wired, per the instructions of Holyoke City Treasurer Jon Lumbra, a check for $25,000  to the City of Holyoke. PCD received confirmation of receipt of the funds as well as of the company’s required letter of intent.

“We are committed to Holyoke. Though we officially received these requirements less than 24 hours ago by Federal Express, we have already wired the $25,000 and our letter of intent to the appropriate parties as instructed. We are dedicated to creating a successful project for Holyoke, to help the city compete and win a successful award of a license from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, “ said Joseph Lashinger, Managing Partner of PCD.

“We are uniquely ready to meet this challenge, as fast as the Mayor has presented the opportunity to us. We are happy to have a chance to present again all our engineering and due diligence work that was prepared last year for the Wyckoff Country Club site,” said Lashinger.
 
Paper City Development has retained the nationally renowned law firm of Blank Rome to represent the company in the areas of negotiations relative to MA Gaming law and Holyoke’s Casino Negotiations. Blank Rome is a firm with considerable experience in gaming law across America for numerous gaming and entertainment companies