The company that plans to build a casino in Springfield, Massachusetts is making a major change in the design of Springfield’s casino.
MGM Resorts International’s $800 million 25-story glass hotel tower will be smaller: 6 stories tall with the casino on the bottom floor.
The changes are sparking some debate. Springfield city councilman Orlando Ramos says he liked the original plan.
“I think it’s more aesthetically pleasing, but there’s also an economic development component to it and there are studies that show there is a correlations between cities and communities that build up and signs that it’ll help the economy,” Said Ramos.
The proposal also includes 54 market-rate housing units on State Street. MGM announced they’re in the preliminary phase to buy the former school department building, which has been vacant since 2010.
“So far they’ve shown they have a commitment to the city and they’re committed to building this here and that they think it’s going to be beneficial for the city of Springfield,” Ramos said.
It’s a commitment to Massachusetts, but what about Connecticut?
Just across the border, the Mohegans and Mashantuckett Pequots requested proposals from towns on whether they’d like to see a casino.
But some in Enfield believe Springfield is where the casino should stay.
“We’re going to feel the effects from Springfield, we’re going to have more people here, we’re going to have more traffic,” Enfield resident Gina Sullivan said.
NBC Connecticut reached out to the Mohegans and Mashantuckett Pequots for comment.
Our inquiry was not returned by news time.
