Palmer, MA: Nope! No Conflict Here!

Palmer Water Commissioner chairman Charles "Mike" Callahan denies conflict, but says he will abstain from any casino agreement vote

By Lori Stabile, The Republican
on May 02, 2013


PALMER - Charles "Mike" Callahan III, chairman of Palmer Water District No. 1 water commissioners, said he will abstain from any vote that has to do with the Mohegan Sun Massachusetts resort casino project off Thorndike Street, to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.

Though he says he has no role with MGM Resort International, which wants to construct a casino in Springfield, Callahan and two of his family members are listed as having ties to that project.

Callahan, a member of the board for 15 years, is listed as a "qualifier" - along with his brother and sister - for Blue Tarp reDevelopment, MGM Resorts International's development arm. MGM was chosen this week by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to build an approximately $800 million casino in the city's South End.

MGM and Mohegan Sun are vying for the lone Western Massachusetts casino license, along with Hard Rock International, which wants to build in West Springfield. The Hard Rock project earned an endorsement from the West of the River Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.

MGM last year dropped a plan to develop a casino in Brimfield, on Callahan family land.

Callahan said he gave a letter to his board earlier this year outlining his stance regarding the Palmer project, but one board member said he never saw it.

Water Commissioner Joseph Mastalerz said he has not seen the letter and plans to go to the board office on Friday to try and find it. Mastalerz said Callahan told him about the letter on Thursday, and that he intended to talk to the other commissioners about it three months ago.

Mastalerz said he has concerns about Callahan's name on the Blue Tarp list and was going to ask Callahan about his involvement. He planned to approach him Friday at a commission meeting, but that was rescheduled to Wednesday.

The land in Palmer is served by the Palmer Water District, meaning that eventually the water commissioners would have to vote on an agreement. Water use for the approximately $600 million resort casino has been a topic of discussion over the years, and is one of the lingering issues in the host community agreement between Connecticut-based Mohegan and the town of Palmer. That agreement is expected to be finalized in July.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard and Palmer Water Superintendent James Ammann would not get into specifics regarding water use for the casino, citing confidentiality agreements. At one time, when the $775 million project was touted as being in the $1 billion range, the Quabbin Reservoir was discussed as a potential water source. Blanchard said Ammann and the district's lawyer, Henry Rigali, have been involved in water discussions.

"I have no input in negotiations and I don't have any say in how any documents are being drafted," Callahan said Thursday.

Ammann, who answers to the Board of Water Commissioners, said he wasn't aware of Callahan's involvement with MGM, and thought only David Callahan had something to do with that project.

David Callahan, president of Palmer Paving, and sister Janet Callahan, also are listed as qualifiers for the MGM project, according to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. David Callahan was with MGM officials last year during the Brimfield announcement.

Gaming Commission spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll said the commission's investigators determine who "qualifiers" are, adding they could be officers, board members or key investors with a company.

Applicants for casino licenses, along with their qualifiers, are currently the subject of background checks by state police and gaming experts, according to information from the commission.

Charles Callahan, who said he is paid $80 a month as a water commissioner, said it is his way of giving back to the community. He said if people are questioning his role as a commissioner, they should run for the open position on the three-member board. The district's annual meeting and election is May 14. Fellow board member Louis Iadisernia, who is not seeking reelection, could not be reached for comment. Callahan, who is up for reelection next year, said people should vote him off if they do not like the job he is doing.

As for his listing as a "qualifier," Callahan said he has no role with MGM, and has no part of that casino project.

"My name is listed on a number of projects throughout Western Massachusetts," Callahan said.
Callahan said he is for a project that brings economic development to Western Massachusetts, and the ripple effect it would have on jobs, revenue and tourism.

"Any community that gets (a casino) will benefit the entire Western Massachusetts area," Callahan said.

Ammann said he is not concerned about Callahan's involvement with another casino project.

"The family is pursuing something. Mr. Callahan has always put the water district in front of whatever developments, projects or contracts. I see him as a strong advocate for the water district. It's not going to hinder the project," Ammann said.

Ammann said Palmer Water District No. 1 serves 4,700 customers with 1,400 accounts, approximately 450,000 to 490,000 gallons of water a day. With that use, Ammann said there is approximately 200,000 gallons a day of surplus water.  Wholly inadequate to service a project of this size.





http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/05/palmer_water_commission_denies.html

Bloomberg promoting MGM's animal cruelty

In a rather bizarre photo Bloomberg added to MGM's Massachusetts' Folly, they chose to add a photo of the lion display that has since been closed.

MGM places sensible animal care at the bottom of its list. See articles below.

MGM Resorts Proposes $800 Million Massachusetts Casino-Hotel

By Rob Golum and Christopher Palmeri
Aug 22, 2012

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Tourists view a lion on top of a glass roof inside the MGM Resorts International casino in Las Vegas.

MGM Resorts International(MGM), the largest casino operator on the Las Vegas Strip, announced plans to develop an $800 million gambling, hotel and entertainment project in Springfield, Massachusetts.


The MGM Springfield project, if approved, would be located on about 10 acres of land that were heavily damaged by a June 2011 tornado, the Las Vegas-based company said today in a statement. The plans include restaurants, movie theaters and shopping.

MGM Resorts said it submitted a $400,000 fee that will fund the official vetting and negotiating process. The project would be located on three city blocks close to Interstate 91. The company said it controls several parcels in the area and has others under contract.

Massachusetts legislators legalized gambling last year, authorizing a maximum of three casinos in three regions. MGM will be competing for a license in the western part of the state. At least five other operators are eyeing locations there, including Ameristar Casinos Inc. (ASCA, Penn National Gaming Inc. (PENN), Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment Inc., according to an Aug. 20 analysis by the law firm Goodwin Procter LLP.

In March, MGM Resorts dropped out of a casino project in Brimfield, Massachusetts, citing the scope of infrastructure work needed in the area, and said it would seek an alternative location.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-08-22/mgm-resorts-proposes-800-million-massachusetts-casino-hotel-2-.html

Activists praise closure of MGM Grand's lion habitat

CORRECTION -- 12/31/11 -- A story and caption Friday’s Review-Journal about the lion habitat at the MGM Grand contained an error. Officials announced this week that they will be closing the free attraction Jan. 31. By Keith Rogers

LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL Posted: Dec. 29, 2011

Plans by MGM Grand to close its lion habitat at the Strip hotel received praise Thursday by a high-profile animal rights group that also criticized the lions' owner for wanting to put them on exhibit at his 7.5-acre ranch in the south Las Vegas Valley.

A letter from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, thanks Murren and Chief Operating Officer Corey Sanders "for your decisions to close the lion exhibit ... and to offer our assistance in helping to relocate the lions to a reputable sanctuary."

Citing news reports, the letter said the lions' owner, Keith Evans, plans to put them on exhibit in Clark County.

"This plan is clearly not in the best interests of the animals. In their natural habitats, lions roam many miles of territory to hunt, raise their young, and avoid contact with people," according to the letter Thursday from Delcianna Winders, PETA's director of captive animal law enforcement.

The letter criticizes Evans for declawing lion cubs and for allowing trainers and handlers to have direct contact with the animals that led to two lion attacks at the MGM Grand.

Reached at his ranch southeast of the M Resort, Evans called PETA's letter "baloney" and wished PETA "good luck" in their efforts to put his 40 lions in a sanctuary.

Evans said that he has held his U.S. Department of Agriculture license for keeping lions for 40 years and that PETA has a "bad track record" in its endeavors to keep lions in sanctuaries.

Yvette Monet, corporate spokeswoman for MGM Resorts International, said the lions that Evans transports for display at the MGM Grand are owned by Evans, "and he is entirely responsible to their care."

Monet said the lions have always lived at Evans' ranch, and many of them were born there.
On Wednesday, MGM Grand announced that its lion habitat and retail shop will close Saturday . The habitat, a free attraction, opened in 1999 for $9 million.

In her letter, Winders said that MGM has maintained a $1 million fund for the care of lions at the habitat, "and we encourage you to use these funds to relocate the animals to a reputable sanctuary.

We stand ready to help coordinate such a transfer."

Reached by phone late Thursday in California, Winder said an ideal sanctuary for the lions would be one operated by the Performing Animal Welfare Society, an organization, based in Galt, Calif., for abused and abandoned wildlife.

Winder said she has never visited Evans' ranch but said the ranch doesn't have enough space to provide for lions in a natural habitat.

Evans has said he intends to make his ranch a public attraction called The Cat House. He said he has completed the zoning and permitting requirements that will allow him to host private parties and tour groups.

The exhibit also might be open to the walk-in public, but he is trying to work out logistics such as staffing.

  http://www.lvrj.com/news/animal-rights-group-praises-closure-of-mgm-s-lion-habitat-136407153.html

MGM Mirage in Vegas probing death of dolphin

July 7, 2008

MGM Mirage officials are investigating the death of a dolphin at an aquatic habitat at The Mirage (pictured above) on the Las Vegas Strip. The Associated Press reports:

Company spokesman Gordon Absher said Monday that animal care officials were still trying to determine why the dolphin, named Sage, died Saturday morning. 

The dolphin was born at the habitat in May 1997.

Correcting earlier reports, Absher says 13 dolphins have died at Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat since the attraction opened with five dolphins in 1990. He says that number included five that were stillborn or died shortly after birth.

The dolphin habitat offers tours to the paying public, birthday parties, “trainer for a day” and group tours in addition to being rented as a setting for private events.

--Francisco Vara-Orta
Photo: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/07/mgm-mirage-in-v.html

By Dana Gentry

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

14 dolphins have died in the 19 years since Steve Wynn opened the Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Now, an animal rights group wants to stop the casino from bringing more dolphins to the desert.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/videos/2009/jun/17/2281/

Petitioned The Governor of NV

This petition was delivered to:

The Governor of NV	Mr. James MurrenChairman of the Board, Pres., CEO	Dave BlaskoDirector of Dolphin Habitat
Corey Ian SandersChief Operations Officer	Dave BlaskoDirector of Dolphin Habitat/Mirage	Daniel D'ArrigoChief Finanacial Officer

No More Dolphins Swimming in Las Vegas

byBarbara Napoles

This petition was started in response to an article I recently became aware of regarding the exhibit “Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat” located at the Mirage hotel and owned by MGM Grand International.

Born Free USA and the WSPA have condemned this place for its claims of being a research and educational facility, while in reality it is motivated by profits. They have nicknamed it the “Dolphin Death Pool” and below you will find some information pertaining to this name.

A recent visitor of the exhibit stated that upon entering the facility, with admission price of $15, you are given a brochure which talks about conservation and gives you wild dolphin facts. However, advertisements on TV and magazines push their “be trainer for a day” programs to attract visitors.

Upon looking at the website we found that the trainer for a day program cost are as follows: Trainer for a day $495. Trainer with one observer $645 and Trainer with 2 observers is $795.00

Although this exhibit says it’s a research and educational facility and has “no scheduled shows”. The dolphins perform tricks (flips, jumps, tailwalking, beaching themselves on the platform) for the paying customers and are given fish to feed as reward. We’d like to point out that these are not natural behaviors for dolphins; it is a trained and taught behavior so that the dolphins could entertain.

This exhibit has been the death sentence for many wild and captive-born dolphins. The Review-Journal obtained records from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration that includes an inventory of the dolphins at The Mirage and cause of death for those that died.

Here is a list of the dolphins that have died there since its opening in 1990:

* Rascal – age 4 – Death unknown
 * Pablo – age 10 – Died from rare fungus in its lungs
 * Darla – age 18 – Died from chronic pancreatitis
 * Squirt – age 15 – Died from respiratory ailment
 * Picabo – age 18 – Died suddenly from internal tear in its stomach
 * Bugsy – age 3 – Died from pulmonary abscess
 * No name – Stillborn
 * No name – 2 week old calf – died from pulmonary edema
 * Sigma – age 32 – Died from heart failure
 * Banjo – age 32 – Died from heart failure
 * Merlin – age 40 (estimate) – died from pneumonia
 * Sage – age 11 – death unknown
 * St. Pepper – age 2 – lung infection
 http://www.facebook.com/l/46befe8wGBe8qnQg310CxoHbDLA;www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2007/Feb-18-Sun-2007/news/12653710.html

The attraction states that they take excellent care of their dolphins, however it seems to us that the mortality rate of these animals is very high. We believe that these bottlenose dolphins are subject to extreme temperature changes, from extreme cold (snow flurries) to extreme arid, dry conditions and pollution from a nearby highway. The pool is located in the heart of Las Vegas and specifically next to a busy highway. If you lived next to constant gas fumes from thousands of automobiles, you’d develop respiratory problems too!

Also, we have found that in 2009 the Mirage had asked the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS) to import two dolphins from Bermudas for breeding. It seems logical to think that those dolphins would have been bred to keep the tank stocked with dolphins.

This petition proposes its readers to urge the Mirage to prepare a plan to relocate the dolphins to a facility that mimics the dolphins natural environment. These creatures belong in the ocean, not in middle of the desert. If they are truly a research and educational facility they would not need to be located in the Las Vegas strip.

We understand that dolphins who are born in captivity will not be able to be released in the ocean. However, we believe that the era of marine mammal captivity for human entertainment is over. We are no longer amused with dolphins performing unnatural behaviors.

Please consider relocating the dolphins to a facility closer to the their natural environment.

For the Dolphins, For the Whales, For the World!

If you have a problem signing the Petition email directly to: secretgarden@mirage.com
 Thank you all for your support!

http://www.lasvegassun.com/videos/2009/jun/17/2281/

http://www.change.org/petitions/no-more-dolphins-swimming-in-las-vegas

 

 

Picknelly plans to divest from proposed Palmer casino

Peter Picknelly plans to divest from proposed Palmer casino to focus efforts on downtown Springfield casino

Published: Saturday, July 28, 2012 

By Lori Stabile, The RepublicanThe Republican

File photo | The RepublicanPeter Picknelly

PALMER — Peter A. Picknelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Peter Pan Bus Lines, said he is concentrating his efforts on a downtown Springfield casino and plans to divest himself from the proposed Palmer project off Thorndike Street.

“At some point I need to divest myself from the Palmer investment. The formality has not taken place yet. It needs to and I will likely do so sooner rather than later,” Picknelly said this week.

Picknelly said he has been an investor in the land, which is owned by Northeast Realty. He declined to detail specifics.

Connecticut-based Mohegan Sun has long wanted to build a resort casino off Thorndike Street (Route 32) across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit. It is leasing the land from Northeast Realty, and is one of two announced casino projects for Western Massachusetts. The other proposal is by Las Vegas-based Ameristar Casinos, which purchased the former Westinghouse site off Page Boulevard earlier this year.

Picknelly, whose business is in downtown Springfield, said he now feels the city is the best location for a casino, and is proposing a casino on land in the north end of Springfield that would include the bus station property on Main Street.

Two companies associated with Picknelly last month presented an option to buy The Republican’s Main Street building and property, as well as the newspaper’s eight vacant acres on the Connecticut River, which is adjacent to property that Picknelly owns.

Picknelly’s involvement with the Palmer project was announced back in 2008. At the time, he said he felt Palmer was the best location for a casino. Picknelly said that he viewed the Palmer project as a real estate investment back then.

Now, he said, he sees a casino as part of a downtown revitalization plan for Springfield, as it would bring jobs and tax income. Picknelly said he believes having a casino in the city would provide the most benefits to Western Massachusetts.

“Times change. Circumstances change. I now wholeheartedly believe the best place for a casino in Western Massachusetts is in Springfield and in downtown Springfield and I will concentrate my efforts in making that a reality,” Picknelly said.

“I think the plans we’re formulating are exciting and I’m really looking forward to the revitalization ... I think it would be fantastic for Springfield,” he added. “It would have a dramatic impact on the city.”

He said he could not release details of the proposal for the north end yet, although he said several casino developers have been interviewed. He said he may have more information within the next 30 days.

“Plans are really developing now and at the appropriate time we’ll make the announcements,” Picknelly said.

Picknelly’s brother, hotel developer Paul C. Picknelly, also was attached to the Palmer project as an investor. In 2007, he said he was considering building a hotel on the property. Like his brother, Paul Picknelly at the time said he supported the Palmer site for a casino over an urban location.

Paul Picknelly recently has discussed opening a casino in the South End of the city with city councilors, although nothing has been formally released. But on Friday, City Council President James Ferrera III revealed that MGM Resorts International has options on properties from the area of State and Main streets to Union and Main streets. He said he was not given specifics regarding square footage or acreage of the project, but said he was told that MGM is working with hotel developer Paul Picknelly.

Paul Picknelly could not be reached for comment.

“We are not working together, but we certainly both believe that downtown Springfield is the best place for a casino,” Peter Picknelly said about his brother.

There also may be another casino proposal in the heart of downtown, according to Kevin E. Kennedy, chief development officer for Springfield.

Leon H. Dragone, manager of Northeast Realty, said the Picknelly brothers are investors in the Palmer project and have been committed supporters.

“It’s disappointing to learn they would support a competing project,” Dragone said.

In addition to Mohegan Sun and Ameristar, several other casino companies have expressed an interest in Western Massachusetts but have not released proposals. They include Penn National Gaming of Wyomissing, Pa.; Hard Rock Cafe of Florida, which dropped a casino plan for Holyoke; and MGM Resorts of Las Vegas, which canceled a plan for Brimfield.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/07/peter_picknelly_plans_to_dives.html#incart_river_default

We will REPEAL THE CASINO DEAL!

Rocky rollout to era of Mass. casino gambling

More problems than progress in first 6 months

(Wynn Resorts via AP)Steve Wynn, the Las Vegas casino mogul, hoped to build a resort casino in Foxborough but dropped his plans after residents elected gambling opponents to the town board of selectmen.

By Mark Arsenault

Globe Staff / June 3, 2012

 

Once the Legislature finally approved Las Vegas-style gambling last November, after years of debate and near misses, many believed the hard part was over - and that the promise of thousands of jobs and millions in new state revenue would soon be realized.

 

And when REPEAL THE CASINO DEAL passes, it will get even more stressful!

 

But the first six months of the casino era in Massachusetts have been hampered by controversies and false starts, proving that little is easy when it comes to launching a new industry with billions of dollars at stake.

The casino law is under assault in federal court. The thorny issue of tribal gambling is expected to produce more litigation before it ever produces a casino. The state gambling commission had a public relations disaster over its first high-profile hire.

And although the gambling law was written to create competition among wealthy developers seeking to outdo each other in pursuit of coveted licenses, that bidding war has yet to fully develop, in part because of local opposition and also to a measure of apathy toward Massachusetts from some casino companies. 

Middleboro, Fall River, Foxboro, Brimfield, Freetown and Lakeville have said NO! There is growing opposition as people inform themselves.

“It’s been a pretty rocky start,’’ said Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business magazine, which covers the industry.

The leader of the state gambling commission acknowledges that there has been a steep learning curve but rejects the notion that the casino development process has gotten off to a poor start.

“I think it’s gone really well,’’ said Stephen Crosby, chairman of the panel, known formally as the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. “It’s a huge undertaking to stand up a new agency from scratch.’’

With that, Crosby said, has come a recognition by the commission that controversy and criticism are as much a part of the casino business as cards and dice.

“We have to learn to be comfortable with the fact that controversy is inevitable,’’ Crosby said.

Lawmakers grumble privately that the people who appointed the commission - the governor, state treasurer, and attorney general - took too long to pick its members, which delayed the commission’s first meeting until April, nearly five months after the Governor Deval Patrick signed the legislation.

Those lost months contributed to the sense that the rollout has been disappointingly slow.

The commissioners work full time, headquartered at 84 State St. - on the lucky seventh floor. With barely any staff hired yet, their working conditions are challenging: under the open meeting law, no more than two commissioners at a time can discuss their work at the office. Even the most mundane decisions must be debated in open public meetings.

In May, in an effort to smooth the day-to-day operations, the commission offered the job of interim executive direct to Stanley McGee, a Patrick administration official, who in 2007 was accused in Florida of child sexual assault. Though the allegation is unproven and McGee was never charged, the commission was accused of failing to properly vet an important hire, and McGee backed out of the job after several days of blistering media coverage.

“Obviously an intense three-day learning experience,’’ Crosby said of the McGee hiring.

Representative Joseph Wagner, a Chicopee Democrat and a key lawmaker in the development of the casino bill last year, recently rebuked Crosby for comments that suggested the commission might license fewer than three resort casinos and a slot parlor, the maximum number of gambling facilities allowed by law.

But Wagner was diplomatic in assessing the start of the state’s casino era. “Given how new this is - new to Massachusetts and to the people involved trying to shape it - it has the appearance of being a little bit of a bumpy rollout,’’ he said. “We’re only two months in with this commission; in that context I don’t have a lot of real complaints.’’ 

This was Rep. Wagner's brilliant comment when an amendment to ban state workers from working in Slot Barns was discussed -- BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST???? ---

“It’s my sense that this matter is so important that we should not preclude the best and the brightest from being eligible even if those people would be in government presently,” said Rep. Joseph Wagner, D-Chicopee, told reporters at the State House.
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/chicopee_state_rep_joseph_wagn.html

Crosby points out that during its brief tenure, the commission has hired lawyers and casino consultants to guide the state’s embrace of an industry that still makes many people uneasy. It also recently hired a full-time communications director; is looking for its first executive director; and is moving ahead with plans to prequalify potential developers, which should speed up the application process and provide a sense of momentum.

But most of the casino-related developments in Massachusetts since November have been out of the commission’s hands.

Casino companies have staked their flags on sites around the state, but those markers have not always stayed in place. MGM executives jetted in to announce their choice of tiny Brimfield for a resort, but then sheepishly backed out when they discovered the plans would not work on the site.

[MGM was told by New Jersey to sever its ties to Stanley Ho. Instead, they abandoned Atlantic City.]

Foxborough voters rebuffed a Las Vegas mogul, Steve Wynn, by electing hardened casino opponents to the board of selectmen. Wynn took the hint and dropped his plans for a gambling palace next to Gillette Stadium. He declines to say if he will try again someplace else.

[Let's not ignore that the line on the map got moved in backroom deals to reward Kraft/Wynn or that Wynn is being investigated for FCPA violations - bribing foreign officials and is mired in lawsuits.]

And the casino company of the Boston-born billionaire Sheldon Adelson - a man comfortable betting on long-shots, as evidenced by his contribution of more than $10 million to support Newt Gingrich’s run for president - is passing on Massachusetts entirely, saying the state’s plan for three resorts will dilute the market.

[Sheldon Adelson is being investigated for FCPA violations.]

Even without MGM - which has promised to find another site - Western Massachusetts appears to be a competitive market, with several companies interested.

But the Greater Boston region so far lacks competition. Suffolk Downs in East Boston, in partnership with Caesars Entertainment Corp., is planning to make a bid.

[Caesars, formerly Harrah's, is + $20 BILLION in debt and not making a profit.]

Developer David Nunes says he will bid for a casino in Milford, but has not yet announced a financial partner. [Growing opposition!]

State Senator Stan Rosenberg, an architect of the casino law, said it is too early to bemoan the lack of competition in Greater Boston. [Little man who loves having his ego stroked by Gambling Lobbyists. Profited from Gambling Stock investments, said lobbyists buy access.]

“I don’t think the game is over,’’ Rosenberg said. “I believe there will be significant competition and there are significant players that have an interest in the market.’’

Casino development in Southeastern Massachusetts may be the most unsettled. The casino law walls off the southeast from commercial casinos to give a Native American tribe, presumed to be the Mashpee Wampanoag, the chance to develop a casino under federal law.

But the complex issue of tribal gambling, with its awkward blend of state and US laws, and the aspirations of other tribes, have muddled prospects in the region. Developer KG Urban, which wants to build a casino in New Bedford, has sued for the chance to bid in the southeast. The US District Court upheld the casino law’s provisions for a tribal venue, but the matter will be heard in Appeals Court.

Patrick is in negotiations with the Mashpee over a tribal casino in Taunton. But another tribe, the Pocasset Wampanoag, wants to torpedo the Mashpee’s plans, arguing the Taunton land the Mashpee tribe is claiming is far more historically connected to the Pocasset.

Yet another tribe, the Wampanoag of Aquinnah, has also requested casino negotiations with the governor, which Patrick has refused. The governor cited a longstanding belief among state officials that the Aquinnah have no rights to a tribal casino because of concessions they made to settle a land dispute in the 1980s. The Aquinnah disagree, and the matter seems destined for federal court.

Meanwhile, the Aquinnah have moved ahead with casino plans in Freetown and Lakeville and the tribe has warned it may open a high-stakes bingo parlor on Martha’s Vineyard as a fall-back, testing the state’s position that the Aquinnah cannot host tribal gambling.

THEY CAN'T!

Freetown voters rejected the plan in a nonbinding referendum last week, and Lakeville residents voted Saturday by a 10-to-1 ratio against a proposal to build a casino in their town. (Story, B1)

The rollout of casino gambling in Massachusetts may have been “noisy,’’ said Clyde Barrow, a casino specialist at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, but “despite everything that has gone on, I think it has been comparatively smooth.’’

Barrow said other states had far bumpier rollouts, such as Pennsylvania, which dealt with corruption allegations, and Maryland, which had trouble attracting bidders.

“I think it’s going to be a noisy process all the way to the end and probably afterwards,’’ Barrow said, “but the processes are working so far, and nobody has been indicted.’’

Mark Arsenault can be reached at marsenault@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @bostonglobemark   

 

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/06/03/rocky_rollout_to_era_of_mass_casino_gambling/?page=full

 

Westfield next target by casino developers

Westfield being eyed by casino developers for possible facility at former Pavilion Mall site
Published: Friday, April 13, 2012
By Lori Stabile, The Republican The Republican

WESTFIELD - Casino developers have shown interest in the former Pavilion Mall site, and while city officials are not revealing who they are yet, if a formal proposal is made the mayor supports having a referendum on the issue so the residents can have their say.

Jeffrey R. Daley, city advancement officer, said the 200-acre property in question - between Barnes Regional Airport and East Mountain Road - has attracted the interest of three to four casino developers, who have reached out to the landowner. Only one of them, however, has met with city officials and "talked about what they envision doing there if they pursue the site," Daley said. He declined to name them.

"Until we know more, we're not really going to go into details," Daley said on Friday. "No one has signed on the dotted line."

Right now, Daley said there is no access to the site, except for a road through the airport. Infrastructure improvements were what caused the $140 million mall project's failure four years ago. At the time, then-Mayor Michael R. Boulanger said the city could not afford the infrastructure, and was canceling its terms of agreement for the project. The city's cost had ballooned to $25 million. There was a plan to construct a road and bridge over the Massachusetts Turnpike to get to the site.

To get to the site, Daley said access would have to be either off the turnpike, or across the turnpike via a bridge.

Daley said Mayor Daniel M. Knapik does not want "a slots in a box" facility in the city, and would want to see a resort casino with entertainment that would be beneficial to the entire city.

The property is owned by Westfield 1 LLC, Owens Road LLC and Billerica Realty Associates Limited Partnership of Needham. Three individuals affiliated with the company, Deborah E. Shalom, Richard D. Gass and Jon R. Levine, each did not return a call for comment.

Which casino operators that are interested in the property remain to be seen.

MGM Resorts International of Las Vegas recently backed out of its proposal for a resort casino on 150 acres in Brimfield, citing infrastructure issues. A spokesperson for MGM said the company is continuing to look for a new site in Western Massachusetts, but is not ready to announce anything.

Hard Rock International of Florida, in partnership with Paper City Development, have targeted Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke for a resort casino, but Mayor Alex B. Morse has been blunt in opposing a gaming resort. Anthony Cignoli, a partner with Paper City Development, said they still have an option on the Wyckoff property. Cignoli had no comment regarding the Westfield site.

Another player in the mix is Penn National Gaming of Pennsylvania. Eric Schippers, spokesman for Penn National, said the company continues to focus on Springfield for a resort casino, and will select a final site soon.

"We're looking at a lot of potential sites in the city . . . We're kicking a lot of tires and want to get this right. It's going to be a site that has community support," Schippers said.

Only one casino license will be awarded in Western Massachusetts.

Mohegan Sun of Connecticut [The financially insolvent CT Tribe]wants to build a resort casino across from Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8 in Palmer, and Ameristar Casinos of Las Vegas in January closed on the purchase of the former Westinghouse site off Page Boulevard in Springfield for $16 million for a casino.

Also:
Casino firms eye Westfield
By BEN STORROW
Staff Writer
Daily Hampshire Gazette

Brimfield: Working with others to protect communities

This is how we will protect our communities from this degradation and REPEAL THE CASINO DEAL!

These are some wonderful neighbors that define what makes Massachusetts truly great by working to protect other communities that are threatened with this blight!

BRIMFIELD — Now that MGM Resorts International has abandoned its plan to site a casino here, members of the "Preserve Brimfield" group are focusing their efforts on helping other communities being targeted by casino operators, such as Palmer and Foxborough, as well as ensuring that their town maintains its rural character.

Paul D. Adams, a member of Preserve Brimfield, formed in response to MGM's short-lived plan, said the group has no intention of disbanding.



Preserve Brimfield sets sights on helping other Massachusetts communities targeted by casino operators
Published: Friday, March 30, 2012
By Lori Stabile, The Republican

BRIMFIELD — Now that MGM Resorts International has abandoned its plan to site a casino here, members of the "Preserve Brimfield" group are focusing their efforts on helping other communities being targeted by casino operators, such as Palmer and Foxborough, as well as ensuring that their town maintains its rural character.

Paul D. Adams, a member of Preserve Brimfield, formed in response to MGM's short-lived plan, said the group has no intention of disbanding.

Many of the members also were involved in No Brimfield Wind, a group that fought against a proposal by Boston-based First Wind that wanted to place wind turbines on West Mountain. In the face of strong opposition, First Wind scrapped the plan, saying that wind conditions were not suitable on the mountain.

Adams said Preserve Brimfield has met a number of times with the anti-casino group in Palmer, Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, and may assist them in the future, as Connecticut-based Mohegan Sun has long eyed the hillside across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8 on Route 32 for a resort casino development.

Adams said casinos have "an enormous effect" on communities and that the property tax revenue they throw off is insufficient to cover the costs they create, from the added school population to the increased demands on police and fire departments. He added that this is a regional issue.

"If we can help other communities in any way . . . We would like to be able to do that," Adams said.

He said his group expressed both relief and satisfaction when it learned Las Vegas-based MGM would not be pursuing a casino project in the northwest corner of town.

MGM said Tuesday that it would be pursuing an alternate Western Massachusetts location, and blamed infrastructure issues as one of the reasons why it was leaving Brimfield just two months after it announced its intentions to build a "New England" style resort on land owned by Rolling Hills Realty Trust.

“It’s hard to know exactly why MGM has decided to look elsewhere,” said Adams, “but it’s likely that a combination of things, higher than anticipated development costs, the complications of constructing a dedicated exit ramp off the Mass Pike, and the results of a second telephone poll taken just last weekend, convinced MGM that the Brimfield site would be too costly to develop and that Brimfield residents weren’t in favor of a development that would impose enormous new financial burdens on the town.”

David J. Callahan, a principal with Rolling Hills Realty Trust, said in a statement that he will continue to work to develop the 150-acre property, which is off of Washington and Old Millbrook roads.

Adams said he wonders what is next for the land, and said his group plans to work with town committees, such as the Board of Selectmen, to fund and create a master plan, and revise and tighten zoning bylaws, so they can prepare for the next "threat to the town’s rural environment."

"We don’t want to put a ‘No development wanted’ sign up at the Brimfield border, but we do want potential developers to know that future growth will be on the community’s terms, not on terms imposed on the town by developers," Adams said.

Iris L. Cardin, co-president of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said she felt like "jumping for joy" when she heard MGM was leaving, but is concerned about what that now means for Palmer. Only one Western Massachusetts casino license will be awarded.

Charlotte S. Burns, co-president of Quaboag Valley Against Casinos, said she is hoping the gaming legislation gets repealed.

"It's just not good economic development," Burns said, adding there should be a push to bring back manufacturing, and support small- and medium-sized businesses.

Burns said she thinks the Palmer site has just as many problems with infrastructure as the one in Brimfield. She expressed concern about the roads and water demands that a resort casino would create.

The MGM Fiasco

MGM (up to their Slot Machines in debt) settled on a poorly considered site in Brimfield without conducting their due diligence of infrastructure costs, time delays and local opposition. Too much time was spent on public relations propaganda and fairy tales and not enough on facts and reality.

This publicly defines poor management and invites scrutiny of the next targeted community.


MGM Resorts Drops Massachusetts Casino Plan for New Site
By Christopher Palmeri
Mar 28, 2012

MGM Resorts International (MGM) dropped out of a casino project in Brimfield, Massachusetts, and will seek an alternative site in the western part of the state.

“The unique nature of MGM’s plans for an all-inclusive world-class resort on the Brimfield site, and our growing understanding of the needed scope for its infrastructure, simply do not allow us to pursue the comprehensive MGM resort originally envisioned here,” Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s Chief Marketing Officer, said yesterday in a statement.

Massachusetts has drawn interest from some the nation’s largest gambling companies since Governor Deval Patrick signed legislation in November allowing for three destination resorts, one each in separate regions of the state. An additional license for a slot-machine facility is also planned.

Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) has proposed a casino in Foxborough, 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of Boston, while Caesars Entertainment Corp. hopes to develop at the Suffolk Downs horse track north of the state’s largest city. Connecticut tribal casino operator Mohegan Sun is pursuing a resort in Palmer, in the western part of the state, as is Las Vegas-based Ameristar Casinos Inc. (ASCA), which in January paid $16 million for a 41-acre site in Springfield.

A five-member gaming commission will oversee the licensing process, which involves initial fees of at least $85 million and a 25 percent share of casino revenue for the state. The licensing fee for the slot facility would be at least $25 million, with the state taking 40 percent of revenue and horse tracks receiving an additional 9 percent.

MGM’s withdrawal, reported earlier by the Boston Globe, doesn’t mean an end to the proposed casino in Brimfield. The company’s former partner, Rolling Hills Realty Trust, will continue to develop that site, David Callahan, a principal in the trust, said in a separate statement.

MGM fell 0.3 percent to $14.50 yesterday in New York. The shares have gained 17 percent this year.



MGM pulls out of Brimfield as Western Mass. casino spot
By Bob Salsberg
The Associated Press

The site that had been chosen in the town was adjacent to the Massachusetts Turnpike but had no direct access from the highway, a fact that posed a potentially major obstacle to development of the casino.

Without direct access from the turnpike, traffic leading to the site would have to travel several miles along Route 20, the main thoroughfare through the town which at times narrows down to just one lane in each direction.

MGM had proposed funding construction of a new turnpike interchange and access road in the neighboring town of Warren, between existing Exits 8 and 9 on the highway, and officials had said the project could not proceed without that new road. The new exit, however, could have taken a number of years to be approved and built.

Read more: http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/x1440913608/MGM-pulls-out-of-Brimfield-as-Western-Mass-casino-spot#ixzz1qVRcwcAE

Mixed feelings in Brimfield on MGM's decision not to build casino in town
Company won't build casino on land in town
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2012
Sy Becker
BRIMFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Casino company MGM announced Tuesday that they have decided not to build a resort casino in Brimfield


MGM Resorts drops Brimfield proposal for western Massachusetts
By Brian Hallenbeck
Publication: The Day
Says it will seek alternate site

Perennial Slot Barn Cheerleader Paul Burns ignores the Palmer Study Committee Report indicating the annual cost to host this monster would be $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION. Curious indeed!

Paul Burns, president of the Palmer Town Council, said it "serves to reinforce the strength of a Palmer site for a western Mass resort casino. As the sole remaining truly rural casino proposal in the state, Palmer continues to stand head and shoulders above other locations in terms of access, infrastructure, community support and location."

MGM announced its Brimfield project in January in the wake of Massachusetts' authorization of three casinos and one slots parlor. Other big-name operators, including Ameristar Casinos of Las Vegas, Hard Rock International of Orlando, Fla., and Penn National Gaming of Wyomissing, Pa., have also floated proposals for western Massachusetts.

In 2006, MGM entered into a "strategic alliance" with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe under which the tribe branded its second casino as MGM Grand at Foxwoods.

Note to MGM: Ideal location in Richmond

Might this location be appropriate? The owner has indicated support for Slot Barns and seems not to mind the community destruction. gambling addiction, increased personal bankruptcies, social injustice, regressive taxation, low wage jobs, increased crime, increased drunk drivers....you know the list.

MGM Resorts drops Brimfield casino plan; launches effort to find new site in Western Massachusetts
By Lori Stabile, The Republican

BRIMFIELD - Las Vegas casino operator MGM Resorts International is bailing out of the Brimfield project, but is seeking an alternate Western Massachusetts location, a company spokesman said on Tuesday.

"The unique nature of MGM’s plans for an all-inclusive world-class resort on the Brimfield site, and our growing understanding of the needed scope for its infrastructure, simply do not allow us to pursue the comprehensive MGM resort originally envisioned here," said William Hornbuckle, MGM’s chief marketing officer. No kidding? Someone failed to conduct their due diligence and town leadership allowed themselves to be blinded by the Fools' Gold of Slot Barns to support this Folly. And where were those low wage workers to live?

“As a result, we have a mutual agreement with Rolling Hills Realty Trust to end MGM’s development efforts in Brimfield. MGM remains committed to developing an MGM-quality project in Western Massachusetts and we are actively pursuing other potential development sites,” Hornbuckle said in a statement.

"The response of the community in Brimfield has been nothing short of outstanding. We are very grateful for the reception we have received. The willingness of residents to listen to our thoughts and openly share their concerns has been of critical importance to MGM in reaching this decision," Hornbuckle continued.

“It has been our pleasure to get to know the people of Brimfield as we’ve worked to find our place in Western Massachusetts,” said Hornbuckle. “The elected officials, the town workers and our many new friends have been generous in their support and willingness to share their thoughts with us. We will always be grateful.”

The company will continue to work from its office on Warren Road as it considers alternative locations in Western Massachusetts.

David J. Callahan, of Rolling Hills Realty Trust, said he will continue to work to develop the property, which borders Palmer in Hampden County and Warren in Worcester County.

"We wish MGM the best of luck as they continue their pursuit of a Western Massachusetts casino license," Callahan said in a statement.

The "Rolling Hills Resort" project was announced with much fanfare in January, with top executives from MGM touting the 150-acre site in the northwest corner of town, and the estimated 3,000 jobs it would bring. They brought interested media to the remote site north of the Massachusetts Turnpike after a press conference, and later set up a website - www.mgmrollinghills.com - dedicated to the project.

The announcement pleased one backer of the proposed [insolvent] Mohegan Sun casino project next door in Palmer.

"I'm not surprised. I thought the site was not a good site to begin with based on the lack of infrastructure . . . (MGM's) whole plan was to drive traffic through Palmer and Sturbridge. It makes Palmer a more viable competitor," Palmer Town Council President Paul E. Burns said.

Burns said MGM is "welcome to compete in Palmer." [Mr. Burns ignores the Palmer Casino Study Report that projected the annual costs to the town of Palmer would be $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION, not including the costs to bring water from the Quabbin. But, never let the facts get in the way, Mr. Burns! You're drinking too much KoolAid again.]

Brimfield Selectmen Chairwoman Diane M. Panaccione said she is disappointed with MGM's decision.

"It was a great revenue opportunity for our town for years to come. MGM has been gracious in dealing with our town officials and our residents. They were willing to work with the town. This is a huge loss for Brimfield," Panaccione said.

As talks progressed, Panaccione said she felt the project was looking more and more attractive for Brimfield. [This highlights poor local government when this level of support is provided without conducting due diligence.]

"They said the footprint just didn't fit the property," Panaccione said.

MGM representatives had said access would be through a Massachusetts Turnpike exit, onto Smith Road, a dirt road in Warren. They had repeatedly said there would no local access through the town of Brimfield.

The news cancels a special session of the annual Town Meeting that was set for June 18, according to Panaccione. There, residents would have been faced with two non-binding referendums regarding a casino project.

Chronicle: What Are the Odds?

The segments of the Chronicle program are below in case you missed it:

Wednesday, March 21: What Are the Odds?

It’s a sorely needed boost for the economy; it’s a nightmare that brings traffic and crime. It’s a chance for thrill seekers to have a little fun; it’s a temptation that will ruin families’ finances. As Massachusetts heads into the casino business, the debate over where to put these gaming palaces is heating up.

Tonight, we go to some of the Bay State communities in play for hosting a gaming resort, and see how the battle lines are forming, from Palmer to Foxborough to East Boston.


What are the Odds? Segment One
What are the Odds? Segment Two
What are the Odds? Segment Three
What are the Odds? Segment Four

Show Resources:

No Foxboro Casino [anti-casino website]
No Fox-Vegas [Facebook]
Suffolk Downs
No Eastie Casino [neighborhood group]
Quaboag Valley Against Casinos
Preserve Brimfield [anti-casino]

Read more: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/30694792/detail.html#ixzz1psM3sEj1

Chronicle, Ch. 5, Boston, 7:30 tonight

From Palmer's QVAC:

Don't forget to watch Chronicle on Ch. 5 Boston at 7:30 tonight. Don't know for sure that it will be anti-casino, but some of our neighbors were interview including some in Brimfield and our own Charlotte Burns.

Ugly Cast of Characters and Stupidity: Duh?

The Palmer Casino Study Group determined that a Slot Barn in Palmer would cost:

$18 MILLION to $39 MILLION ANNUALLY

Isn't that the same study PAUL BURNS REFUSED TO DISCUSS PUBLICLY?

A small group of vehicles traveling through Palmer, MA, brought traffic to a standstill, successfully proving that ANY increased traffic is IMPOSSIBLE!


Yet, Paul Burns, perennial Slot Barn cheerleader insists, begs, salivates, genuflects and continues to make statements of questionable ethics for personal gain, that the financially insolvent Tribe should bankrupt the small town of Palmer, MA.

If Paul Burns spent as much time, effort and energy rebuilding the community as he has schmoozing and glad handing with the insolvent Tribe, the community would be bustling.

Add to the mix The Republican, unable to print the facts, ignoring opposition letters to the editor, deleting online opposition comments, perhaps based on dreams of future advertising revenues and shunning the truth.

People who have formed their opinions based on flashing neon lights, the glitter of Fools' Gold, ignored the 'downsizing' of the Slot Barn to ridiculous size and the phony promises.

And now The Republican, with an apparent reading comprehension problem, refusing to read the legislation, publishes the article below?

Here's the legislation:
http://www.mass.gov/legis/journal/desktop/Current%20Agenda%202011/H3807-11.pdf



Note to Palmer: You gotta elect people with brains


Mohegan Sun pledges $50,000 for host community agreement with Palmer; refinances $1 billion in debt
By Lori Stabile, The Republican

PALMER — A day after the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority refinanced approximately $1 billion in debt, it announced that it would provide an initial payment of $50,000 to the town to pay for expenses related to the host community agreement for its proposed casino here.

The authority, which operates Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut, wants to open a $500 million casino across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit on Thorndike Street (Route 32).

Town Council President Paul E. Burns called the money a "good first step" in the negotiation process.

Town Manager Charles T. Blanchard said that the money will help fund consulting fees, as numerous studies will be conducted to determine the casino's impacts. He said that Mohegan is in agreement that the total cost of studies will be approximately $275,000.

He said he will ask for more money as the process moves forward.

Areas to be studied include the casino's impact on traffic and public safety, as well as the tax impact.

While Palmer stands to gain additional property tax revenue and meals tax revenue, it also could lose state aid and Chapter 70 educational funding if it becomes what is considered to be a wealthier community, Blanchard said.

"We are moving forward with a host community agreement with a mutual understanding of what work will need to be done on the part of the town," Blanchard said.

Blanchard noted that the full Gaming Commission has not been appointed, and estimated that it will be late this year, or sometime next year, by the time it calls for applications for a casino license.

A host community agreement is required before a binding vote can take place, which is required through the legislation. The agreement will detail the responsibilities of the gaming operator, and conditions for building in Palmer. And a community must have a favorable vote before a casino project can move forward.


Mitchell Etess
“We understand the importance of this initial payment to help the town of Palmer in the host community agreement process,” Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer of the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, said in a statement. “We look forward to the continuation of the host community agreement process and anticipate additional financial commitments to the town of Palmer in the months ahead.”

The refinancing, which was extended several times, was finally completed this week.

The refinancing of about $1 billion will buy it more time to develop its business and pay down debt, Etess told the Associated Press.

Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which also operates a casino in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., negotiated with lenders the exchange of several notes, extending the due date for repayment to 2016 and 2018. The earliest notes were due next year.

The deal is expected to be approved by investors, according to Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum, chairman of the authority's management board and Mohegan Tribal Council.

In addition to renegotiating debt of $961.8 million, the tribal gaming authority said it
also established $225 million in credit.

Investors have been nervous about Mohegan's debt because Mohegan cannot file for bankruptcy and creditors can't foreclose on its properties because tribal governments are sovereign.

Keith Foley, an analyst at Moody's Investors Service, said the gaming authority did not reduce its debt load, but won time for more flexibility. Even if the economy improves, he said Mohegan Sun will face increasing competition in the Northeast that will limit earnings, due in part to the plans to build casinos in Massachusetts.

Burns, who issued a press release commending the refinancing, said it will "help to reposition them as a strong competitor for a gaming license." Burns again said he is interested in meeting with developers interested in supporting and enhancing economic development opportunities provided by a casino development.

Palmer is competing for the lone Western Massachusetts casino license with three other communities – Springfield, where Ameristar has purchased the old Westinghouse site for a casino; Brimfield, where MGM Resorts International wants to build in the northwest corner of town; and Holyoke, where Hard Rock International identified Wyckoff Country Club as its casino site.

But the Holyoke project faces opposition from the new mayor, who is opposed to casinos.

Material from the Associated Press was used in this report

Taxpayer Subsidized Gambling

A Slot Barn at Suffolk Downs will cost Massachusetts taxpayers + $500 MILLION and the Bobble Heads think it's a good deal.

The Lake Tahoe Slot Barn in Foxborough will cost Massachusetts taxpayers +$100 MILLION to extend the commuter rail line and municipalities along the line will foot the annual losses. (The cash-strapped town hasn't figured out what Kraft and Company is costing now because it's too busy genuflecting.)

The insolvent Mohegan Sun Tribe's Palmer proposal is even sillier! No infrastructure access and no water. The Town's Casino Study Committee determined the annual cost to the town would be $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION.

The insolvent MGM wants a Slot Barn that also requires 'infrastructure' improvements and water and other services?

And here goes Senator "But For" Pacheco acknowledging infrastructure improvements for the Mashpee Wampanoag's latest Folly in Taunton.


Folks, you're gonna pay the bill! And that's before we calculate what the increased CRIME and DRUNKS will cost.



Infrastructure upgrades predicted if Casino proposal comes to fruition
By Gerry Tuoti
Taunton Gazette


TAUNTON — From the additional cars driving into town to the increased demand for water a massive resort casino complex would require, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe’s plans to build a casino in East Taunton would create a serious need to improve the surrounding infrastructure.

During his announcement that the tribe is pursuing plans to build a casino on land in Liberty and Union Industrial Park, Tribal Council Chairman Cedric Cromwell said the East Taunton parcel’s proximity to major roads – routes 24 and 140 – is very appealing.

“Certainly, infrastructure is important and we believe the property we’re looking at will provide the best in infrastructure,” Cromwell said.

Although Cromwell admitted that the tribe is eyeing other land in the area, he declined to identify it.

Some have speculated the Mashpee may consider purchasing the nearby Silver City Galleria property, which is directly across Route 24 from the industrial park parcel. If such a transaction occurred, some elected officials said it is their understanding that the tribe would likely build an overpass or tunnel to connect the two tracts.

State Sen. Marc Pacheco, D-Taunton, said the city’s water system – the tribe’s vision includes a water park – and roads would be affected. Since infrastructure studies pertaining to the Galleria were already conducted years ago, he speculated that there may already be a foundation for future analysis.

Building direct access to the site from Route 24, Pacheco said, would relieve local traffic congestion.

“During the holiday season, when the mall had total occupancy and was maxed out in terms of customers, we would have some back up on 24,” Pacheco said. “There are obviously some traffic studies and other issues that would need to be done to anticipate and plan for this type of development.”

City Councilor Deborah Carr said she envisions the project having direct highway access, which would keep the majority of the cars out of residential areas and off of local roads.

“I don’t envision anything like a casino being in someone’s backyard,” she said. “I’m envisioning something where they’d be coming off a major thoroughfare, Route 24 or 140, that would go into several hundred acres somewhere. I imagine it would have to have some sort of buffer … The only negative impact I could see is there’ll obviously be a greater influx of traffic, but I’m sure that’s something that will be well addressed and they’ll keep traffic out of the neighborhoods.”

Improvements to routes 24 and 140, which already get backed up during rush hour, will likely be necessary, many local officials say. Since the roads fall under state, rather than local, jurisdiction, that may be an issue to be addressed in the tribe’s negotiations with the governor, Hoye said.



Read more: http://www.enterprisenews.com/news/x127282185/Infrastructure-upgrades-predicted#ixzz1oApjhdAG

Preserve Brimfield Group Questions Non-Binding Vote at Town Meeting

For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Adams, 413-262-7380, padams6199@charter.net
or Sharon Palmer, palmera5@charter.net

Preserve Brimfield Group Questions Non-Binding Vote at Town Meeting

Brimfield, MA – February 10, 2012 – Preserve Brimfield, an ad hoc community group that is investigating the effects of a proposed casino development in Brimfield, Massachusetts, has raised concerns about the wisdom and practicality of a non-binding vote on the casino project at the 2012 Town Meeting in May.

“There are lots of reasons to question the timing and the motives behind the attempt to hold a ‘non-binding’ vote at Town Meeting,” said Sharon Palmer, a Brimfield resident and a Preserve Brimfield Steering Committee member. “Despite numerous meetings with town boards and committees, neither the land owner nor the casino development company has provided any information to the town about the size, scope, and impact of the project, other than ‘You’ll barely know it’s there,’” Palmer said.

On February 9, a petition was presented to the Brimfield Board of Selectmen requesting that an article be included on the Town Warrant. The item for the proposed vote would read: “To see if the Town will vote to support a resort casino development from the Massachusetts Turnpike, and located in the secluded northwest corner of the Town (north of the Turnpike), which will generate millions of dollars annually in tax revenues for the Town. This article is non-binding.”

“The wording of the article is prejudicial and misleading,” said Paul Adams, also a member of Preserve Brimfield. “The developers have already contradicted themselves on the issue of the Mass Pike ramp; the reference to additional revenue conveniently omits any reference to the new and potentially enormous costs the town will incur; and although the land may in fact be ‘secluded,’ the effects on the town will be widespread and permanent. Beyond that, the effects will be reflected – in greater costs – on virtually every line item in the town’s budget.”

The petition included 25 signatures, and Diane M. Panaccione, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, has said that 24 signatures are required to put the item on the agenda for the 2012 Town Meeting. The petition was apparently originated by a group of pro-casino supporters calling themselves ‘Brimfield First,’ but according to a news article in the Springfield Republican and posted on the newspaper’s MassLive.com website, “several of the people who signed the petition that were contacted said they had not heard of the group.”

“The land owner and MGM have told boards and committees that it’s too early for them to answer questions,” said Adams. “They’ve provided us with absolutely nothing about the impact of the development on the town’s water and sewer resources, school population, roads and infrastructure, housing, crime, and other issues. If it’s too early for them to answer reasonable questions, it’s too early to ask the town to vote on this project, even if it’s non-binding. The town won’t have a clue what it’s voting on, or information will be provided by the developer just before the Town Meeting and too late to consider carefully and thoughtfully.”

A non-binding vote seems also to fly in the face of the recommendations by Steven Crosby, the new chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, who has said that neither developers nor towns should move ahead “under a sense of urgency to generate money, to generate jobs, to meet the developer’s wishes, or to meet a community’s wishes.”

Preserve Brimfield was formed to provide information to Brimfield residents about a casino development proposed by MGM Resorts International Operations, Inc. in Las Vegas in partnership with Rolling Hills Estates Realty Trust. More information about Preserve Brimfield is available at www.preservebrimfield.org.

###

MGM Pretense in Brimfield - Do Your Research!

For unfair and biased coverage, The Republican can be counted on!

They ignore opposition and in the case of Brimfield, pretend it doesn't exist, fail to publish letters-to-the-editor of opponents, delete comments from opponents and basically buy into the fake poster strategy of the Gambling Industry.

In the touchy-feely, feel good about MGM story below prepared for them by MGM, they ignored that the phony local Proponents' group was formed by MGM, as a poster named PreserveBrimfield noted, information easily obtained.

PreserveBrimfield February 10, 2012 at 9:12AM

ProCasino Group ?? Yes, called MGM

Brimfieldfirst.com was registered on the 8th by MGM!

Registrant:
MGM Resorts International Operations, Inc.
Charles Shepard
3260 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
US
Email: charlies@mgmmirage.net

Registrar Name....: CORPORATE DOMAINS, INC.
Registrar Whois...: whois.corporatedomains.com
Registrar Homepage: www.cscprotectsbrands.com

Domain Name: brimfieldfirst.com

Created on..............: Wed, Feb 08, 2012
Expires on..............: Sat, Feb 08, 2014
Record last updated on..: Wed, Feb 08, 2012

Administrative,Technical Contact:
MGM Resorts International Operations, Inc.
Charles Shepard
3260 Industrial Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
US
Phone: +1.7026506900
Email: charlies@mgmmirage.net

DNS Servers:

ns2.mgmmirage.net
ns1.mgmmirage.net


WarriorII February 09, 2012 at 11:00PM
Let's clarify: MGM was "invited" here by the developer, Mr. Callahan, NOT the residents of Brimfield!
Yes, any big casino will generate millions in tax dollars, and it will also generate even MORE millions in expenses that the town will have to shell out, and lots of free headaches. Just ask CT.



Brimfield residents to weigh in on MGM casino at annual Town Meeting
Published: Thursday, February 09, 2012, 8:15 PM
By Lori Stabile, The Republican The Republican

BRIMFIELD - An article is expected to be on the May 21 annual Town Meeting warrant that will ask voters if they support a resort casino development in town accessible from the Massachusetts Turnpike that will generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for Brimfield.

The vote, which will be non-binding, will be a way for MGM Resorts International to gauge voter interest in the "Rolling Hills Resort" casino project it is proposing on 150 acres in the northwest corner of town, William Hornbuckle, MGM's chief marketing officer, said on Thursday.

Translation: Just pretend we're not here...well except for what we'll cost the town in services.

A petition was delivered to the selectmen's office on Thursday morning by two MGM Resorts International representatives, according to Selectmen Chairwoman Diane M. Panaccione, who received it. Panaccione said the 24 signatures still need to be certified to ensure they are registered voters in town.

Hornbuckle has been in town this week to meet with officials and residents about the project. While designs have not been unveiled yet, he said they are envisioning a campus-like setting that would include the casino, a restaurant complex featuring "the best of what Western Massachusetts has to offer" and a spa, among other attractions, including an entertainment venue. He said they are considering having both indoor and outdoor entertainment venues.

"It will not look and feel like a casino. It will not have neon. It will not have bright lights. It will be subtle, respectful of the community," Hornbuckle said, adding it will be "tucked" into the hillside.


From poster: P. Adams February 10, 2012 at 12:59PM

How convenient that Mr. Hornbuckle fails to mention the significant additional costs to the town that could significantly reduce the "millions" of dollars he's promising us in new property tax revenue. In fact, depending on the need to move from volunteer fire and police forces to full-time, the need for a new elementary school, and new investments in social services, the town could find itself in a deficit situation. As for "thousands" of new jobs, Brimfield residents understand that most of those jobs will be given to people from outside our community. The U.S. Department of Commerce's Occupational Employment and Wages estimates that the median hourly wage of casino workers in all but the most senior positions is $10.49, with some workers making as little as $7.52 and most no more than $10.57 -- below the poverty level for a family of four. So, with the empty promises of a windfall of new revenue and jobs for everyone, Mr. Hornbuckle is offering the town the world, knowing he can't deliver. As for the non-binding vote, Mr. Hornbuckle should be careful what he wishes for. And perhaps he should provide some information: at recent appearances before town boards and committees, Mr. Callahan and Mr. Murphy haven't been able to answer simple and direct questions about the project, and so it seems very premature to ask the town to vote on an issue the details of which -- even the broad outlines of which -- are being kept from Brimfield residents.

"This is not Las Vegas by any stretch," he said.

The non-binding question is not required by state law. However, a binding referendum must go before voters once a Host Community Agreement has been negotiated between the town and casino developer.

Hornbuckle said he is looking forward to the Town Meeting vote, but acknowledged the company has a lot of work to do before then. He expects a design will be revealed before the annual Town Meeting, with more details to emerge in the coming months. MGM will sponsor community meetings to educate residents about the proposal, he said.

Translation: "educate" - propagandize residents by withholding the increased costs of town services they will be forced to fund.

"We only want to be where we are invited. We are fully prepared to address traffic, public safety and environmental concerns, as well as outline the thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in new taxes that can be generated by a resort," Hornbuckle said.

Horse Manure Alert: You won't get 'thousands' of NEW jobs nor millions in 'new taxes.'

He said he realizes there is opposition to the project. When the project is presented to the Gaming Commission, Hornbuckle said they want to demonstrate they have the town's support, through the non-binding and binding votes.

MGM representatives said the petition was originated by a group of pro-casino supporters calling themselves "Brimfield First." But several of the people who signed the petition that were contacted said they had not heard of the group.

William Hornbuckle of MGM Resorts International discusses proposed Brimfield casino William Hornbuckle, chief marketing executive for MGM Resorts International, talks about the Brimfield casino project on Thursday in Brimfield. Watch video

Janet L. Hastings, of Cubles Drive, said she found out about it through her grandson's mother, Kirsten Gaskell, who works for Rolling Hills. Hastings said she supports the project for the jobs it will bring.

"I've been for it from the beginning. I think the town really needs the money," Hastings said. "There are a lot of people in town that are out of work."

Robert Sturtevant said he found out about it from his mother, Diane L. Sturtevant, who is an antique show operator. They both said they support the project, so they signed the petition. Diane Sturtevant said she signed it when she visited the Rolling Hills office, which is next to her property.

"With the town devastated by the tornado, the town needs money . . . We have no industry to speak of," Diane Sturtevant said. "The town would not be impacted by it. If Palmer gets (a casino) the traffic would come right through here."

Connecticut-based Mohegan Sun wants to open a resort casino in neighboring Palmer, across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit. There are also casino proposals for Holyoke and Springfield, but only one Western Massachusetts casino license will be awarded.

If the vote does not go MGM's way, Hornbuckle said they will focus on what the overall issues may be. He said MGM will make an assessment on how to move forward, unless the negative vote is "resounding."

Translation: We'll keep pounding away at you until you're exhausted!

"We're not going to give up on Massachusetts, that's for sure, and we're not going to give up on Western Massachusetts," Hornbuckle said.

Translation: Same as above!

The main concern continues to be traffic, he said.

MGM has said there will be no impact on the town, as access would be through the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Because a ramp cannot be built for a private business, Hornbuckle said the local access would be from Smith Road in Warren - currently a dirt road. He said it could cost $25 million to $30 million to build a ramp, a cost to be borne by the developer.

Hornbuckle said MGM is excited to have the opportunity to have the question before voters in May, even if it is non-binding.

Translation: OMG! We're salivating for these NEW revenues and NEW Gambling Addicts!

"We would like a benchmark of where we stand," Hornbuckle said.

The warrant article reads as follows: "To see if the town will vote to support a resort casino development, accessible from the Massachusetts Turnpike, and located in the secluded northwest corner of the town (north of the turnpike), which will generate millions of dollars annually in tax revenues for the town. This article is non-binding." [And you won't even notice we're there except for the costs you'll bear! Oh, and maybe the increased crime...and maybe those low wage workers who will need substandard housing....and maybe the impacts of those ESL students on your schools...and.....the increased DUIs from the FREE ALCOHOL we dispense freely to keep those Gambling Addicts in their seats...]

Last month, David J. Callahan, a principal with Rolling Hills Estates Realty Trust, announced a partnership with Las Vegas-based MGM to build a resort casino on his land, which is north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. MGM Resorts has signed a contract to purchase the property.

Also last month, MGM announced it selected Gensler, a "green" architectural firm, to oversee design of the Rolling Hills Resort project.

The small town of Palmer, MA appointed local residents to a "Casino Study Committee." The members of that committee had no preconceived notion, conducted their research, interviewed department heads whose responsibilities it is to accurately project the town's future needs.

Not all of the costs were included, but the independent 'study committee' determined that the ANNUAL cost to Palmer, MA would be $18 MILLION to $39 MILLION.

The estimated cost to bring water from the Quabbin was $50 MILLION.

Consistent with the democratic operation of the Town of Palmer, the town council refused to make the report public. It wasn't what they wanted to hear.

NOTE TO BRIMFIELD: Do Your Research!