Parson: Milford should call off casino talks
MILFORD —
After listening to Foxwoods’ presentations regarding a casino in Milford, I believe the following issues have not been adequately addressed:
- Impact on resources. We are facing an 80 percent increase in our water rates and are currently in a Level 3 Water Ban. Given recent difficulties with the Milford Water Company, I question its ability to accurately assess the impact of a casino on our water supply. I am offended that Foxwoods’ only mention of Milford’s schools during the June 3 meeting was to propose low-flow fixtures in the schools. Even if this were to happen, our children would go home to brown lawns while the casino grounds would surely remain green.
- Impact on schools. Our superintendent and School Committee have expressed concerns with an increase in student enrollment. Every extra child in a classroom represents additional concerns, additional individualized planning, and extra bodies in already crowded classrooms. With the volume of potential students in and out of our schools, this will negatively impact the quality of the Milford Public Schools.
- Impact on traffic. The “minor” traffic increases that Foxwoods cited on June 3 were met with disbelief by many audience members. Traffic on routes 495 and 16 is already heavy. Adding lanes into our highway medians will further complicate and bottleneck our roadways.
- Impact on Safety. Foxwoods representatives have not addressed the topic of guests who will surely drive under the influence of alcohol and while exhausted. No mitigation money can repair an injury caused by an intoxicated driver, nor can it restore the loss of life. Ever.
Milford is a family-oriented community with amazing hospitals, terrific schools, great health and safety personnel, and an impeccable financial standing. We don’t need a casino to “make us better.” If we enter into an agreement with Foxwoods, there will be no turning back.
Scott Butera said that Foxwoods, MA would be “unique and revolutionary,” yet I don’t see it. Perhaps a casino without a liquor license, or a casino that had to close when other Milford entertainment venues close for the night would be unique and revolutionary. Would Foxwoods still want to locate in Milford?
It is with great concern for the future of Milford that I urge our selectmen to end to any further discussions regarding the location of a casino in our town.
JENNIFER PARSON
Milford
- Impact on resources. We are facing an 80 percent increase in our water rates and are currently in a Level 3 Water Ban. Given recent difficulties with the Milford Water Company, I question its ability to accurately assess the impact of a casino on our water supply. I am offended that Foxwoods’ only mention of Milford’s schools during the June 3 meeting was to propose low-flow fixtures in the schools. Even if this were to happen, our children would go home to brown lawns while the casino grounds would surely remain green.
- Impact on schools. Our superintendent and School Committee have expressed concerns with an increase in student enrollment. Every extra child in a classroom represents additional concerns, additional individualized planning, and extra bodies in already crowded classrooms. With the volume of potential students in and out of our schools, this will negatively impact the quality of the Milford Public Schools.
- Impact on traffic. The “minor” traffic increases that Foxwoods cited on June 3 were met with disbelief by many audience members. Traffic on routes 495 and 16 is already heavy. Adding lanes into our highway medians will further complicate and bottleneck our roadways.
- Impact on Safety. Foxwoods representatives have not addressed the topic of guests who will surely drive under the influence of alcohol and while exhausted. No mitigation money can repair an injury caused by an intoxicated driver, nor can it restore the loss of life. Ever.
Milford is a family-oriented community with amazing hospitals, terrific schools, great health and safety personnel, and an impeccable financial standing. We don’t need a casino to “make us better.” If we enter into an agreement with Foxwoods, there will be no turning back.
Scott Butera said that Foxwoods, MA would be “unique and revolutionary,” yet I don’t see it. Perhaps a casino without a liquor license, or a casino that had to close when other Milford entertainment venues close for the night would be unique and revolutionary. Would Foxwoods still want to locate in Milford?
It is with great concern for the future of Milford that I urge our selectmen to end to any further discussions regarding the location of a casino in our town.
JENNIFER PARSON
Milford
Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/opinions/letters_to_the_editor/x1391864845/Parson-Milford-should-call-off-casino-talks#ixzz2W6U5dlR2
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