Neighborhood activists in Springfield Massachusetts say they want to be kept in the loop as the city evaluates several proposals from casino operators. WAMC’s Paul Tuthill reports.
Neighborhood leaders lauded Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno’s pledge to have an open competitive process to select a casino project…or projects to put before the voters for a binding referendum. Kathleen Brown, president of the East Springfield Neighborhood Council, said people have a right to know how a casino would impact their neighborhood.
The mayor has pledged to make regular reports and hold public meetings with the city council and neighborhood councils throughout the selection process, with the goal of a voter referendum occurring in roughly 8 months..Four national gaming companies are pursuing casino projects in Springfield with the hopes of securing the state license for the west region..
