Paul Burns makes fool of himself....again! Palmer, Ya Gotta Problem!

A Palmer Citizens Casino Study Committee was appointed to determine the costs of hosting Mohegan Sun.
  

Paul Burns silenced the report that determined the ANNUAL cost would be

 

$18 MILLION to $39 MILLION

 
 
not including the
 

$50 MILLION to bring water from the Quabbin

Palmer lacks the water to provide for the Mohegan Sun proposal.
 
Now, Paul Burns is calling for TRANSPARENCY?

There's that pesky little FLYOVER that never happened.....

Palmer town councilor sends warning letter to Mass. Gaming Commission

Posted: Nov 27, 2013

By Bill Rapp

CBS 3 Springfield - WSHM

PALMER, MA (WSHM) - A town councilor in Palmer sent a letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Monday warning them that Mohegan Sun could not be trusted.

The letter from Paul Burns comes after allegations last week that Mohegan had been in talks with Suffolk Downs about a project there prior to the referendum vote on Nov. 5. Mohegan tribal chairman, Kevin Brown released a statement in response to allegations by Burns, "We find the patently false accusation of Councilor Burns that we were talking to any other parties in Massachusetts before the referendum to be completely inappropriate and hurtful given the hard work of the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts team up to, and importantly, AFTER the referendum. Mohegan Sun and our team in Palmer worked tirelessly over the past five years to bring a world class facility to Palmer and the Commonwealth, invested millions of dollars into this effort, and engaged in a highly transparent process of explaining our project to the community. Despite the long odds that a recount might bring a different result, we have deliberately stayed the course awaiting the outcome. This change in tenor from an elected leader in Palmer is of great concern to us."

Brown announced Wednesday that Mohegan had signed a deal with Suffolk Downs that morning. A recount for the host agreement in Palmer was completed Tuesday afternoon. Burns called the ability to get a new agreement done with Suffolk Downs a "miracle". He said it took them 11 months to get an agreement, but seemingly less than 24 hours to make an agreement in another community.

Brown said the next step was to complete a development plan to give to the gaming commission by the Dec. 31 deadline.

There is still 152 acres of land in Palmer that Mohegan Sun said they wanted to use for a non-gaming commercial venture since they wouldn't be building a casino there. Burns said he firmly believed Mohegan Sun was trying to block potential competitors by taking a prime piece of real estate.

Burns said he would welcome a development plan by Mohegan Sun, but it would have to be done quickly if they wanted any credibility with the community. He said it would take tens of millions of dollars just for infrastructure improvements on the property. Burns also stated the company can't just put a strip mall on the property. Any development would have to be sizeable. He said he would not be opposed to a plan by Mohegan Sun as long as the process was sincere and transparent. Any plan would still have to go through the planning and zoning approval process.

http://www.cbs3springfield.com/story/24087911/palmer-town-councilor-sends-warning-letter-to-mass-gaming-commission

 

With Hard Rock's Bid Rejected, MGM, Mohegan Sun Square Off

With Hard Rock's Bid Rejected, MGM, Mohegan Sun Square Off
By MATTHEW STURDEVANT, msturdevant@courant.com
The Hartford Courant

6:54 p.m. EDT, September 11, 2013

The competition for a resort casino in Western Massachusetts has dropped to two competitors, narrowing the field and offering a stark contrast between an urban and rural gambling environment.
The suburban option — Hard Rock International's proposal for an $800 million casino, hotel and live-entertainment venue — was rejected Tuesday by West Springfield voters, 55 percent to 45 percent.

"It's one less horse in the race," said Jennifer Baruffaldi, a member of Citizens for Jobs and Growth in Palmer, Mass.  [An organization that doesn't seem to be registered with anyone.]  "I was very happy about it."

Baruffaldi and her organization support Mohegan Sun's proposal to build a $1 billion resort casino and adventure water park in Palmer.


People in Palmer who oppose the plan, however, feel differently. Iris Cardin of Palmer doesn't want a casino anywhere — Palmer or Springfield.

"I don't wish this on my adversary," Cardin said.

Mohegan wants to build on a sprawling, wooded area in a town with fewer than 13,000 residents off the Massachusetts Turnpike. MGM would build in the dense downtown of Springfield, right off I-91.

Neither MGM Resorts International nor Mohegan Sun on Wednesday would say directly that it is pleased to have one less competitor in the pursuit of the sole license to operate a resort style casino in Western Massachusetts. Instead, each spoke about the strengths of its plan.

"We are confident that our nearly $1 billion resort casino proposal, which will bring thousands of new jobs and economic development to Palmer and the region, represents the best choice for Western Massachusetts," Mohegan Sun CEO Mitchell Etess said in a prepared statement.

MGM spokeswoman Carole Brennan said via e-mail: "MGM Resorts feels strongly that our unique world-class urban proposal is the best economic driver for the region. We came into this process knowing we had to set a very high bar because of the caliber of competitors. Competition makes us all better; and MGM has had its fair share throughout the municipal and state processes."

Massachusetts' state legislation passed in 2011 allowed three gambling resorts in different regions of the state. State law requires casino developers to have a signed agreement with the towns where they would build and also a vote of approval from residents.

Springfield residents approved MGM's proposal during a July vote, 58 percent to 42 percent.

"In terms of the region, in terms of the tie-ins, it's a world-class resort casino," said Jim Leydon, a spokesman for Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. "It's something they've never done before. You can visit the complex without ever actually going onto the gaming floor. … You can walk into any of the other amenities, shopping, or a skating rink. … It's cutting edge. It's never been done in an urban setting before."

Palmer residents are slated to vote on Nov. 5. If Palmer residents approve the project, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will decide whether Mohegan Sun or MGM is a better attraction for the state.

Separately, a collection of anti-casino groups will start collecting at least the 68,000 required signatures to put a statewide referendum on a ballot in November 2014 calling for a reversal of the 2011 legislation that allowed casinos, said EmmaLadd Shepherd of Quabog Valley Against Casinos.

Last week, state Attorney General Martha M. Coakley rejected a proposed ballot question for 2014, according to news reports. The anti-casino groups are working on an appeal process that would seek a decision from the state Supreme Judicial Court, Shepherd said.

Mohegan Sun has been building support for its pitch in Palmer for four years. Residents in the town supported a similar casino pitch in 1997. And the plan has its supporters in town government.

"We were the first community to be looking at a casino in Western Mass.," said Palmer Town Council member Paul E. Burns. "Really, we led the charge in terms of ensuring there was a Western Mass. casino in the legislation."

He believes Mohegan has had the best plan all along, but it's undeniably easier to compete with one rival plan instead of two.

"Now that the field has narrowed to two, I think it makes Palmer a much stronger contender because of their stark contrast between the urban setting and a rural setting," Burns said.


http://www.ctnow.com/business/hc-mohegan-mgm-hard-rock-20130911,0,2980193.story

 

Plainridge's Past Conduct Needs To Be Considered!

The past conduct of Plainridge has been particularly problematic and needs to seriously be considered during this process.

Please attend the Plainville Planning Board meeting MONDAY, AUGUST 5TH and raise your concerns.

If you live in Plainville or a surrounding community, it's important to recognize that the future EXPANSION of Plainridge into a Full-Blown Casino without amenities was discussed openly during an Educational Forum conducted by the Gaming Commission.
...
Plainville Town Manager, Joe Fernandes attended that hearing, yet no provisions for future EXPANSION are incuded with the AGREEMENT. There are numerous other issues not included in the agreement as well - including WATER and WASTEWATER that will cost ratepayers dearly.

Plainville was told they lacked water and would be forced to buy water from Rhode Island. Suddenly, they have enough water?

There are too many unanswered questions, including those below that folks need to stand up and ask in a public forum.

NoPlainvilleRacino

• A letter from Plainville resident to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission about their upcoming decision as to the fitness of Plainridge to operate a gaming facility:
  
  Dear Commissioner Crosby,
  
  As you are making your decision about whether to allow Plainridge to move ahead in the application process or be disqualified because of concerns about the toleration of Mr. Piontowski's "cash withdrawals," I hope you consider these facts, as well:
  
  • Plainridge was in violation of the Massachusetts charitable gaming laws for more than a decade with their so-called "Plainridge Raffle." The Attorney General has recently concluded the investigation about the raffle, and Plainridge has agreed not to repeat their offense. Why the AGO has seen fit to treat the matter with such laissez faire is beyond me, especially when Plainridge — with their many lawyers always at the ready — must have known they were breaking the law. Moreover, while the AGO has found that no charitable monies were misspent, they ignored the fact that Plainridge used the raffle to ingratiate themselves to a town in which they have lobbied for expanded gambling almost since they opened the track. Plainridge received a great deal from running illegal charitable gaming — they garnered the goodwill and loyalty of residents who were not aware that laws were being broken on their behalf.
  
  The AGO refuses to give me anything in writing about the case. Perhaps they'll be more forthcoming for you.
  
  • As you know, Plainridge sued Thomas Keen, a resident of Plainville and a co-founder of No Plainville Racino, for defamation due to an anonymous posting on the group's Facebook page. Mr. Keen successfully defended himself in court, and Plainridge dropped their subsequent appeal, citing "more important matters" (around the time they were ridding themselves of Mr. Piontkowski).
  
  • In response to an inquiry about the projected length of blasting at the track earlier this year, residents who live on Harness Path (abutting Plainridge) were told that Plainridge is in possession of a 1999 Mutual Non-Interference Agreement between Francis Daddario and GTWO, LLC that could mean a serious lawsuit if anyone living on Harness Path dares to speak up against anything going on or anything that they fear might go on at Plainridge. The Mutual Non-Interference Agreement is a matter of pubic record (Norfolk Registry of Deeds, BK 13350, PG 416, recorded 99 Apr -2) and is attached here.
  
  The agreement says that the parties are "not to object to any such future development plans of the other by any of the following means: oral or written opposition to governmental permits, approvals, and or rezoning, at or in connection with hearings, town meetings, administrative proceedings and/or administrative or judicial appeals." The threat to use this Agreement against the residents of Harness Path to keep them from speaking at "hearings, town meetings, etc." when they live so close and are among the most affected from the addition of slots is a serious one, indeed, and should be considered when weighing the fitness of Plainridge to operate a gaming facility in our town.
  
  Respectfully,
  Mary-Ann Greanier

 

Monson: In The Dark About WS Commitments!

Monson Water/Sewer Commissioners negotiated an agreement [below] that grossly differs with previous estimated water usage by their own members.

Since this is an IGA [Inter-Governmental Agreement], it would require Town Meeting Approval of BOTH communities: MONSON and PALMER.

What else has Mohegan Sun failed to address?

No FLYOVER as promised!

No zoning change!

No WATER!

What ELSE?

They're simply Shooting in the Dark!

Minutes 2013.06.12

Printer-Friendly Version

	Commissioners Present: Chairman Joseph C Prior, Vice Chairman Douglas R. North, newly elected Paul C. DeMaio Employees Present: Superintendent: Craig W. Jalbert; Secretary: Dale Barnes-Johnson Guests: James Amman Superintendent of Palmer Water District #1 Open the Meeting: The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m.

Palmer Water Connection ~ Jim Amman, Superintendent of Palmer Water District #1 (PWD1) joined the meeting to discuss the status of the MassDOT bridge replacement project. In 2006 the Monson Water Department and PWD1 agreed to investigate the possibility of an interconnection between the two public water systems during the planned State Avenue bridge reconstruction project. However, we have been informed the bridge project has been put on hold in the 6 year planning queue with remediation of the piers to be scheduled sooner rather than an actual replacement. Therefore our interconnection is on hold.

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA) is currently proposing a destination style resort in Palmer, PWD1 has been in preliminary negotiations with MTGA on water distribution and water supply issues. The District currently has adequate supply to feed MTGA, but doing so will maximize its’ current Withdrawal Permit and also leads to concerns of lead source out, lead treatment plant out, max day demands and sustained fire flow scenarios. PWD1 has looked for alternate forms of well development which would be costly and come with no guarantee the State would give approval. Due to confidentiality issues, until recently Jim has not been able to approach Monson about possibly reaching an agreement in principle on the actual construction of the interconnection and setting of terms and conditions on the purchase and sale of water. Last week Jim and Craig met to briefly discuss the concept and he is here tonight to present this proposal for the interconnection to the Board Members.

Due to the condition of the existing bridge, engineers have recommended crossing under the river by means of Directional Boring. The launch point would be on the Palmer side from the DPW yard and would continue under and past the Mobile Pipeline (per Mobile Pipeline Specification) to the final receiver pit where the terminal manhole would be installed. Terminal manholes on both ends of the directional boring with wick drains in the interstitial for the determination of leakage either in the sleeve or main, the man holes would be water tight construction with water tight covers. Within the manholes there would be transition from HDPE to conventional Class 52 Ductile Iron Water Main Construction. The main would interconnect to the Monson Distribution System on Fern Hill Road. From the terminal man hole on the Palmer side the transition to Ductile Iron would continue to a location along Bridge Street in the Palmer DPW yard and between the river and dog pound a semi buried vault structure would be constructed with valving, water meter, SCADA control back to the Graves Brook Reservoir Treatment Plant and a connection for similar monitoring to the MW&SD (if constructability and radio frequency transmission is available for monitoring). The main would then continue to approximately 50’ north of the Water Street intersection where it would be tied back to the PWD1’s Distribution System. Provisions would be left in the vault for Monson to construct a meter and pump for reverse feeding back to Monson from Palmer.

The inter-community water rate for the sale of water would be set at the Town of Monson normal consumer rate (currently $5.35/1,000 gal), without discounts or surcharges; rates would be established on an annual basis. The sale rate of water between the two water departments would be bi-directional in flow. The approximate usage would range from 35,000 gpd (25 gpm) to 150,000 gpd (105 gpm). Under emergency circumstances flow rates may be increased, if first mutually agreed upon by both Superintendents. An agreed upon minimum usage of 1,050,000 gallons per month or an approximate average of 35,000 gallons per day would be set for rate establishment and billing purposes. Under this minimum the monthly bill would equal $5,617.00. An approximate fire flow capacity of 2500 gpm @ 55psi residual at the intersection of Bridge St. and Water St.; there is no detrimental impact on the residences or business in the Water St., Bridge St., Main St. areas of the Palmer distribution system under normal domestic flow conditions and this added demand. The reverse feed to Monson could be potentially designed to this value pending further engineering study.

The cost of the Directional Boring / Meter Vault (as described) / final interconnections between the two systems are being funded by negotiation with MTGA. The interconnection between the two systems will only move forward, if MTGA is awarded the Gaming License for Western Massachusetts. The construction of the project will take place within 27 month window of time from the date that MTGA is awarded the license. After completion of the Construction and Testing and Commissioning of the interconnection, the sale of water for emergency usage by either department will commence. The final wording of this agreement would be handled by both systems legal representation.

The timeline that the District has to complete its’ negotiations concludes at the end of June. The District is seeking an agreement in principle to the proposed described project with the MW&SD for the interconnection and sale of water; once a decision has been made a joint meeting would be scheduled with Palmer Water District and MW&SD Commissioners.

The Commission discussed what appears to be an ideal opportunity to carry out what was started 6 years ago with MassDOT, it could raise revenue, fire flow etc., and be paid for by MTGA. From the impact of our customers and system, the State Hospital used higher flows. Actual flow testing of our last hydrant on State Avenue would need to be done to see how it impacts the low pressure areas of our system. We lost a significant customer recently (MDC) so this proposed level of usage would just be a replacement and therefore would not stress our wells. The question of permitting and additional annual State paperwork was raised; Palmer would file the “significant system modification” application to MassDEP, Monson’s portion would be included in the submittal. Otherwise, additional annual paperwork would be minimal similar to MDC. As far as billing, Craig and Dale explained it would be quite straight forward with a minimum usage. Maintenance on the vault structure and equipment would be absorbed by PWD1 as part of their annual maintenance. Maintenance on the valve controlling flow back into Monson would be described in the future agreement.

Commissioner Prior expressed his reservations regarding the potential backlash from Monson residents who are anti-casino, although he agrees it makes sense for business, but would like to meet again to discuss the details. Commissioner North is concerned that the pump and meter for flow back into Monson was not included in the project. It cannot be a true interconnection unless water can flow both ways. Craig agreed the final project must include those items. Commissioner North also added that Palmer and Monson tried to make this happen years ago with MassDOT, now the potential means to make it happen has presented itself and he agrees in principal with the proposal. Craig conveyed the need to represent the majority of our customers; an interconnection would make for a better water system for both towns. Doug summarized he agrees with the framework and to go ahead with interconnection, the proposal is preliminary and would only move forward if MTGA is awarded the Gaming License for Western Massachusetts.

Paul made a motion the MW&SD agrees in principle to the submitted proposal for the construction of the interconnection with PWD1 and the setting of terms and conditions on the purchase and sale of water. Joe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Amman expressed his appreciation for the time and consideration of the Board.

NEXT MEETING: The next meeting has been set for Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 6:30p.m.

http://www.monson-ma.gov/Public_Documents/MonsonMA_WaterSewerMin/2013minutes/I0411D158

Mohegan Sun Has Ignored Important Details....like WATER

In 2008, PALMER CITIZENS CASINO IMPACT STUDY included the report below that addresses WATER and projected 'Casino' usage for a considerably smaller project, NOT INCLUDING A WATER PARK.

In the interim, it seems that Mohegan Sun has schmoozed, provided FREE Meals and propaganda, ignoring those teensy details like WATER [zoning and the flyover]. What else have they ignored?

These comments were including in a published article [found here: Mohegan Sun wants Monson Water]


....Ammann [of Palmer] has said there is approximately 200,000 gallons a day of surplus water.

Mohegan's Paul I. Brody did not have a water usage number for the project immediately available on Wednesday.

But Brody said in 2011 that the project would use 250,000 gallons of water a day, not 700,000 as originally estimated. Since then, the project has changed to include a water park, which Ammann said he does not think will create a significant drain on the water supply.

Those who occupy respected positions, such as Palmer Water District No. 1 Superintendent James M. Ammann, should not merely 'think' about the consequences of a WATER PARK, but should have the research and accurate figures compiled before commenting and negotiating it would seem.

PALMER CITIZENS CASINO IMPACT STUDY
SUB-COMMITTEE ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY

PALMER, THREE RIVERS AND BONDSVILLE WATER DEPT. MEETING

FEBRUARY 27, 2008 AT 6:30 IN THE THREE RIVERS ROOM OF THE

PALMER PUBLIC LIBRARY

In attendance were Jim Ammann (Palmer), John Sazur (Three Rivers) and Bob Flagg (Bondsville & Thorndike) from the water departments.

WHAT WILL BE NEEDED

Jim Ammann handed out an engineering study scoping document for the proposed casino resort to be located off of Thorndike Street to everyone in attendance. This report included water system infrastructure improvements for Palmer Water District #1.

The report also incorporated Bondsville, Thorndike and Three Rivers water system infrastructure needs as they relate to the casino impact. We have included a copy of Jim Ammann’s scoping document with our report.

He talked of interconnection of emergency water supplies with the towns of Ware and Monson and permanent connection to MWRA (Quabbin Reservoir.

He stated that information from the developer (Northeast Realty & Mohegan Sun) was sparse and that we would need more detailed information to complete a final report.

The following are assumed values being used by either information given by the developer, other resort requirements, preliminary consultation with Districts Consultant Engineer (Tighe & Bond) and preliminary discussions with other Districts and communities:

Assumed Demand 0.75 MGD

Assumed Ancillary Demand 0.25 MGD

Assumed Max Day Demand 1.75 MGD

Assumed Fire Flow 3500 GPM

Assume Distribution System Looped but disrupted at furthest point

with assumed fire flow and 1000

GPM system demand.

Redundancy It is assumed at this time the storage

distribution and production systems

Engineer (Tighe & Bond) and preliminary discussions with other Districts and communities:



MWRA (Quabbin Reservoir) MWRA will be the primary feed for

the casino and ancillary growth of the

water districts.

Redundant Supply Issues Redundancy will be addressed

through a wholesale water agreement

with the four water districts and

surrounding towns.

Jim Ammann also stated that while they are running new water lines we should also run new sewer lines at the same time. Jim Ammann, John Sasur and Bob Flagg stated that all the water districts combined could supply the amount of water needed for the casino, but they wouldn’t be able to supply the water requirements for anything else constructed in the town like another hotel, shopping complex, etc. They also stated that it takes approximately five years to get all the permits required to drill a well and there is no guarantee that the state will issue the required permits.

They all agreed that the only viable solution is to tie in with the Quabbin Reservoir to be able to supply the water needs of the casino and any ancillary growth that would come about because of the casino. They also stated that if casino gambling is passed by the State Legislature and the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority receives the go ahead to build a resort casino in Palmer it won’t be long before they will want to start construction. By contracting with MWRA (Quabbin) we could start laying pipe in a very short time.

 Jim Ammann and the other water superintendants said it would cost $1,500,000.00 to contract with MWRA and approximately $30,000,000.00 to $50,000,000.00 dollars to complete the whole project.

Bob Flagg suggested we contact the town manager and the community development committee about getting a grant so that the water districts could start on engineering models for consideration by the developer. We also would need to get more accurate information from the developer on water usage by the casino in order to do the engineering models.

http://www.townofpalmer.com/Pages/PalmerMA_BComm/ccisc/PCCISC_Infrastructure_08_Water.pdf

Mohegan Sun wants Monson Water

Palmer seeks Monson water as backup for Mohegan Sun casino project including water park

By Lori Stabile, The RepublicanThe Republican
on July 24, 2013

PALMER - Palmer Water District No. 1 has an agreement in principle with Monson Water and Sewer Department to construct an interconnection between the two systems to provide extra water if the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts resort casino proposal becomes a reality.

Palmer Water District No. 1 Superintendent James M. Ammann met with the Monson Water & Sewer Commission last month about Monson providing a back-up water supply.

They have discussed creating an interconnection in the past, but neither town had enough money to do the work on its own.

This project would be paid for by the Connecticut-based Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority as part of its nearly $1 billion casino project planned for Thorndike Street (Route 32), across from Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8.

"This is all contingent on the casino vote and who the state picks," Monson Water Superintendent Craig W. Jalbert said on Wednesday.

"It's just an agreement in principle, but it will definitely be a huge benefit to both towns to have the interconnection . . . They're proposing a very well thought out and well engineered interconnection," Jalbert said. "Palmer would be at a deficit for water production and we would help ease that deficit."

In addition to providing extra water to the casino, the interconnection would provide an emergency water supply to both towns, benefiting customers, Jalbert said.

Mohegan is competing for the casino license with MGM Resorts International in Springfield and Hard Rock International in West Springfield.

Minutes of a June meeting between the Monson commission and Ammann detail the discussion; the Palmer Water District has "adequate supply to feed" the casino project, but in doing so, its withdrawal permit would be maximized, creating concerns about demand. Ammann said the discussions with Monson "are part of our due diligence" to ensure that ratepayers will continue to get the same service if the casino opens.

Ammann has said that Palmer Water District No. 1 serves 4,700 customers, who use approximately 450,000 to 490,000 gallons of water a day. With that use, Ammann has said there is approximately 200,000 gallons a day of surplus water.

Mohegan's Paul I. Brody did not have a water usage number for the project immediately available on Wednesday.

But Brody said in 2011 that the project would use 250,000 gallons of water a day, not 700,000 as originally estimated. Since then, the project has changed to include a water park, which Ammann said he does not think will create a significant drain on the water supply.

According to the Monson commission minutes, an agreed upon minimum usage of 1,050,000 gallons per month, or approximately 35,000 gallons a day, would be set for rate establishment and billing purposes. The water would be sold at Monson's current rate of $5.35 per 1,000 gallons. Under this formula, approximately $5,600 a month would be paid to Monson.

The minutes state that Monson lost a significant customer when the Monson Developmental Center closed, so Mohegan's usage would be a replacement and would not stress the wells. The 2012 water quality report stated that Monson Developmental Center used 11 to 12 million gallons annually.

Commissioner Joseph C. Prior expressed reservations regarding "the potential backlash from Monson residents who are anti-casino, although he agrees it makes sense for business, but would like to meet again to discuss the details," the minutes state.

In other developments, Mohegan announced Wednesday a new marketing program to benefit local businesses and tourist attractions throughout the region. Through this Player's Club program, guests would be able to receive additional discounts and redemption opportunities at participating local businesses and destinations in Western and central Massachusetts.

"Our goal is to have hundreds and hundreds of participants over time," Mohegan's chief executive Mitchell G. Etess said. "We want to let people know that this is out there."

As Mohegan has just unrolled this latest initiative, the company could not release names of participating businesses. Etess said they also hope that businesses contact them to be part of the program.

According to information from Mohegan, casinos typically have players club card programs which allow patrons to redeem rewards only at businesses inside the casino.

"The Mohegan Sun Player's Club card program will provide millions of dollars in discounts and rewards every year, and guests will be able to redeem points outside our resort casino to benefit the entire region," Etess stated. "This unique marketing program will enable us to further promote tourism and economic growth throughout Western and Central Mass. and directly drive business into the region."

Joint promotional opportunities will be available, such as the inclusion of participating businesses in Mohegan Sun Massachusetts advertising campaigns, along with employee discounts.

The marketing program will be subject to approval by the Gaming Commission, which will award the lone Western Massachusetts casino license.

The town of Palmer and Mohegan are continuing discussions on the host community agreement, which Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard expects will be completed within a few weeks.

"It's in the final stages of negotiation. I'm not certain exactly when it will be done . . . Things take time to get all the details," Blanchard said.

A referendum can be held 60 to 90 days after the host community agreement is signed. It is looking more likely that the citizens will have a chance to vote on it in October, rather than September, as was originally stated.

Meanwhile, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England will host a grand opening on Tuesday for its West Springfield campaign headquarters at 1425 Westfield St. (Route 20) as part of the effort to get voters to approve a casino in the Sept. 10 special election. The casino is proposed for 38 acres at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds.

The event will rally community support for the $800 million proposed project, according to Hard Rock. It will also launch the formation of “West Side Yes,” a group of local supporters of the casino project.

Brian Griffin, vice-president of the Town Council in West Springfield and chairman of the council’s Casino Mitigation Committee, said he has tried, without success thus far, to meet with MGM Resorts International regarding mitigation funds and traffic concerns.

“Two of the more serious concerns is the woefully underfunded mitigation account created by MGM and their parking and traffic plan which until now has been more of a mystery than a reality,” Griffin said in an email to Springfield City Council President James J. Ferrera III.

Ferrera has also sought a meeting with MGM.

Staff writers Peter Goonan and Sandra Constantine contributed to this report.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/07/palmer_looking_to_monson_for_e.html#incart_river_default#incart_m-rpt-2