Hopkinton offers its two cents on casino proposal
By Laura Krantz/Daily News staff
HOPKINTON —
Officials Wednesday submitted 14 pages of comments to the state agency overseeing the licensing of three casinos, advocating for more local control as a Milford casino proposal looms.
Town attorney Ray Miyares provided a total of 57 comments, many of which related to what he deemed shortcomings in the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s proposed regulations, specifically regarding protections for towns that could be affected.
Hopkinton officials and many residents are working vigorously to stymie developer FCX LLC’s proposal for a casino in Milford. But if the state does allow a casino at the intersection of I-495 and Rte. 16, local officials want the most safeguards possible.
Miyares’ comments respond to the Gam[bl]ing Commission’s request for feedback as it drafts regulations for Phase 2 of the gaming regulations. The second phase covers topics including host community agreements, the definition of surrounding communities and surrounding community agreements.
A gam[bl]ing commission public hearing is scheduled for today in Boston.
Miyares asked for stronger language about actions developers must take, such as visiting surrounding communities and establishing agreements with them.
His comments say communities, not the commission, deserve more say on whether potential positive aspects of a casino could outweigh negative ones.
"We believe that (the Mass. Gaming Commissioners) are not fulfilling their claims that this process would be both fair and transparent for all affected parties," selectmen Chairman Ben Palleiko said in a press release from the town.
He said the commission is allowing "little accountability for the proponents and even less input from the general public who will be affected most by these facilities."
Specifically, Palleiko said the commission should not sacrifice the vibrancy of the local community and economy for "purported good of the Commonwealth."
Town attorney Ray Miyares provided a total of 57 comments, many of which related to what he deemed shortcomings in the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s proposed regulations, specifically regarding protections for towns that could be affected.
Hopkinton officials and many residents are working vigorously to stymie developer FCX LLC’s proposal for a casino in Milford. But if the state does allow a casino at the intersection of I-495 and Rte. 16, local officials want the most safeguards possible.
Miyares’ comments respond to the Gam[bl]ing Commission’s request for feedback as it drafts regulations for Phase 2 of the gaming regulations. The second phase covers topics including host community agreements, the definition of surrounding communities and surrounding community agreements.
A gam[bl]ing commission public hearing is scheduled for today in Boston.
Miyares asked for stronger language about actions developers must take, such as visiting surrounding communities and establishing agreements with them.
His comments say communities, not the commission, deserve more say on whether potential positive aspects of a casino could outweigh negative ones.
"We believe that (the Mass. Gaming Commissioners) are not fulfilling their claims that this process would be both fair and transparent for all affected parties," selectmen Chairman Ben Palleiko said in a press release from the town.
He said the commission is allowing "little accountability for the proponents and even less input from the general public who will be affected most by these facilities."
Specifically, Palleiko said the commission should not sacrifice the vibrancy of the local community and economy for "purported good of the Commonwealth."
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