Massachusetts Casino Regulators To See MGM’s New Plan For Springfield Project

MGM Springfield, the Massachusetts casino being built near Connecticut’s northern border, has undergone design changes that MGM officials say won’t affect the amount being invested in the $800 million project. Springfield City Council president Michael Fenton says he was caught off guard by the announcement on Tuesday that MGM plans to instead house the hotel in a six story building with the same number of rooms. Housing units will be created, but in a different venue.

MGM has emphasized that the capacity of the hotel will not change, and that the alterations will not reduce the overall cost of the $800 million development. However, the changes will help to encourage new developments in the downtown area with higher numbers of visitors, both residents and tourists.

“These proposed changes leave our original design largely untouched”, he said.

The Mayor of Springfield, Domenic Sarno, believes the redesign will offer increased walkability and will fit better architecturally in the historic downtown area. Major changes need approval from the mayor and City Council, officials said.

The project is considered the largest private development in generations for the western portion of the state and should become the first resort casino of Massachusetts.

State gambling regulators are not guaranteeing they’ll issue the state’s third and final casino license. The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes signed an agreement earlier this month to seek proposals from north-central Connecticut towns willing to host a so-called “convenience” casino that would be expected to soften MGM Springfield’s expected impact on Connecticut jobs and gaming revenue.

Plainridge Park, a harness racing track and slots parlor, opened in June in Plainville, Massachusetts.