BOSTON (AP) — More than a dozen Massachusetts communities near proposed resort casino sites have petitioned the state's gambling commission for "surrounding community" status.
Under state law, casino developers are required to negotiate agreements with municipalities designated as surrounding communities. Such agreements could include funds to help offset impacts a casino might have on traffic or public safety in a neighboring city or town.
The state's three casino applicants — Wynn Resorts, Mohegan Sun and MGM Resorts International — have until Jan. 23 to respond to the surrounding community petitions.
The commission is encouraging the companies to reach mutually acceptable agreements with the cities and towns, but is prepared to step in if that does not happen.
MGM has already struck agreements with more than a half dozen communities in the Springfield area.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
