The mayor of Northampton, Massachusetts has petitioned state gaming industry regulators for mitigation payments from MGM if the company gets a license to build a resort casino in Springfield
Mayor David Narkewicz said a casino located 16 miles away would drain business from Northampton’s restaurants, theaters, clubs and stores. A consultant hired by the city estimated businesses could suffer up to $8.8 million a year in lost sales, costing as many as 180 jobs, and reducing city revenues by $274,000.
"The impacts are significant. We are going to make that case to the gaming commission. We're going to present the data," said Narkewicz.
MGM has refused to negotiate with Northampton. The company has struck deals to make annual payments to a majority of cities and towns that abut Springfield.
