Traffic, public safety, jobs and housing will be among the issues discussed by the joint committee, Ferrera and Griffin said.
SPRINGFIELD – Casino advisory committees in Springfield and West Springfield will hold joint meetings to consider the potential impact if a casino is approved in either community.
Springfield City Council President James J. Ferrera and West Springfield Town Councilor Brian Griffin announced the plan Friday during a press conference at Springfield City Hall.
With Hard Rock International proposing a casino at the Big E in West Springfield and MGM Resorts International planning one in Springfield’s South End, the two neighboring communities will be affected if either is approved, Ferrera said.
“This will be an insurance policy for Springfield” if Hard Rock’s proposal wins approval next year from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Ferrera said.
Traffic, public safety, jobs and housing will be among the issues discussed by the joint committee, Ferrera and Griffin said.
Griffin also said the $500,000 in so-called “mitigation funds” for neighboring communities included in MGM’s host agreement with Springfield will also spark discussion.
“It is woefully inadequate,” he said, adding that a figure “in the millions” would be more realistic to compensate Springfield’s neighbors for potential negative impact on attractions, restaurants, hotels and retail businesses from MGM’s casino.
Ferrera said he expects the first meeting of the joint committee to be held next week.
In a related development, a group studying the potential health impact of a casino will hold a public hearing June 3 in Springfield.
The group, the Western Massachusetts Casino Health Impact Assessment, will also hold a forum in West Springfield at a later date.
The effort is being led by Partners for a Healthier Community in collaboration with the University of Massachusetts and Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services.
The project’s advisory committee includes leaders from each of the potential casino host communities.
The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Springfield Central Library. Anyone planning on attending should call (413) 794-7739.
