Committee to assess impact of Springfield casino
Date: 10/10/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — At the Oct. 1 Town Council meeting, President Kathleen Bourque established the Town Council Casino Mitigation Committee (TCCMC) that consists of Councilors John Sweeney, Brian Griffin and Angus Rushlow.
"The purpose [of the TCCMC] is to study the impacts of a casino 1/8 of a mile away from our borders," Griffin explained. "We want to invite all departments to participate. If a casino is coming to Springfield, West Springfield needs to be ready for the impact. Rather than be reactive, we need to be proactive."
Initially, Griffin requested the formation of the TCCMC. "We're not creating the committee to throw a wrench in any plans. The regional impact has to be weighed — it's not just Springfield [that will be affected]," Griffin said.
"We're protecting the rights of our residents and business owners by trying to see how they'll be impacted by such a venue. We want to study the social and cultural impacts and come up with a report of how it affects our community," he continued.
At this stage, discussion between towns has yet to occur, "Realistically, if these gaming establishments move into our region, they need to look into the impact on all of us — we're willing to work with them [to discuss it]," Griffin said.
"Everything in the news focuses on the impact of a casino to Springfield all surrounding towns will be impacted. Ameristar, Penn General, Hard Rock and MGM Grand should sit down with all of the communities, if they are looking to accurately assess the regional impact [of a casino]," he concluded.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was unable to be reached for comment in time for publication.
