SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen missed MGM Springfield’s deadline to apply for funds to help mitigate casino impact but could still have time to petition the state.
Selectman Chairman Russell Fox said last night that after watching what has happened with other communities in recent weeks, he believes Southwick should have acted sooner and wants to explore seeking funds from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
“I’d like to send a letter to the state and cc: MGM about our concerns and whether or not we could enter into an agreement,” Fox said.
Resident Jack Sinico brought up the topic during public comment at last night’s meeting and expressed similar concerns about traffic coming through Southwick from Connecticut. Sinico said he believes that routes 10/202 and 57 could see heavier traffic if a casino is built in Springfield.
Fox said if Route 57 is extended into Southwick as the state committed, he believes there would definitely be an impact to the town.
MGM Springfield has inked “surrounding community” deals with several towns and cities around Springfield, including Agawam and Holyoke.
Fox said he was surprised when he heard Holyoke had an agreement this week and that Northampton was seeking funds, as well.
“I thought it was just towns around Springfield,” Fox said.
Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart said he was also under the impression that only abutting communities could be designated surrounding communities and receive funds. Most towns that have agreements are set to receive about $100,000 per year from MGM Springfield. Longmeadow, which borders Springfield, was not designated a surrounding community by MGM after its offer to the town was rejected. MGM did not entertain a counteroffer from Longmeadow, which asked for nearly $1 million per year. The town has petitioned the gaming commission for designation and will have a hearing later this month.
Fox said he would not seek the amount of money the other communities received but he wanted the opportunity to talk about its options and suggested MGM could even pay for signage in town.
