Gaming commissioner says communities have time to address casino concerns
By NICHOLAS WALECKA
Special Writer
LAKEVILLE — Representatives from seven surrounding towns met last week to voice their opinions on several issues surrounding the casino resort that is being proposed for a site in Taunton by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.
Officials from Bridgewater, Raynham, Middleboro, Lakeville, Freetown, Norton and Berkley met at the Lakeville Senior Center with State Gaming Commissioner Stephen Crosby last Thursdayt afternoon.
The meeting was arranged by state Rep. Keiko Orrall (R-Lakeville) on behalf of community officials who have expressed concern about the lack of local involvement in determining whether a tribal casino will be permitted in Southeastern Massachusetts.
"I think the intent is for this to be an open and transparent process," Rep. Orrall said. "At this point, it hasn't been."
Issues raised by the towns ranged from concerns about where the water supply for the casino would come from, to other issues like wear and tear on local roads and bridges, as well the effects it could have on surrounding wildlife.
While State Gaming Commissioner Stephen Crosby did not have many answers to the numerous issues raised by the towns, he did offer assurance that each issue would be taken into consideration.
"You have asked a bunch of questions that I do not have answers for, (but) I've taken notes," he said.
"We will try our best to get answers for you.
"You're stronger in a group than you are individually. Taken together, you have a lot of muscle," said Mr. Crosby. "It's a great sign that you're willing to take the time."
Mr. Crosby was adamant about the whole process being a slow one, and urged the town representatives not to panic, but rather to be patient.
"This is going to take a long time," he said. "There is time to strategize. You will be able to weigh in every step (of the process). You've got time and there will be resources available."
One of the major issues discussed was the allocation of funds that would potentially be redistributed to local communities.
According to the compact the tribe recently signed with Gov. Deval Patrick, 21.5 percent of gross gaming revenue from the casino, or an estimated $21 million per year, would go to the
Commonwealth, with an estimated $7 million to be distributed to the towns surrounding the casino.
This money would be used to deal with issues stemming from the potential casino, including issues with the water and sewer systems, schools, traffic and infrastructure.
Mr. Crosby said an environmental impact study will be conducted at some point, and the results of this will also help determine where the money will be distributed.
Mr. Crosby said the compact "defines the surrounding community."
"We will be able to determine at our discretion who has access of these money," said Crosby. "We are pushing very hard to provide the resources so that you all have been treated fairly.
The Mashpee tribe still has a number of challenges to overcome, including the need to have the federal government take the Taunton land into trust for the tribe. That process was stymied in 2009 by a Supreme Court decision that prohibits the Department of the Interior from taking land into trust, or creating sovereign tribal land, for tribes that were not recognized by the federal government by 1934.
The Mashpee tribe has also been challenged by Middleboro officials who contend the tribe never resolved its issues with the town after changing its mind about building a casino resort on land off Precinct Street.
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