Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz expresses reservations about Holyoke casino

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz is expressing concern following the announcement by Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse that he is backing a proposed resort casino at Mountain Park .

During a news conference at Holyoke City Hall on Monday Morning , Morse said that a casino in downtown Springfield would have a very negative impact on Holyoke and Northampton business, and that one in Holyoke would be preferable for the interest of both communities.

Narkewicz, however says that he has misgivings about any casino in Holyoke, or anywhere else in western Massachusetts.

“I have serious concerns about a resort casino located within six miles of the heart of downtown Northampton, and will work with other communities to protect our interests and the interests of the region should any casino proposal be advanced in Holyoke,” Narkewicz said in a statement sent to 22News.

During the news conference, Morse said that the Springfield proposals have not taken into account the impact that they would have on surrounding communities, but Narkewicz says that he has not been contacted by Morse about the Holyoke proposal.

“I have not spoken with the Mayor of Holyoke about any prospective casino in his city, but I certainly look forward to hearing from him after this morning’s announcement," Narkewicz said.

The proposed casino site would be at Mountain Park, located right off Interstate 91 between Exits 17 and 18; putting it about halfway between downtown Holyoke and downtown Northampton, with downtown Easthampton also nearby.