The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will announce a decision Tuesday on the petitions from three municipalities seeking mitigation payments if an MGM casino is built in downtown Springfield.
The Springfield suburbs of Longmeadow and Hampden petitioned to be designated surrounding communities on the grounds the casino MGM hopes to build will cause traffic congestion Northampton, which is 18 miles from Springfield, argues the casino will harm its restaurants, stores and entertainment venues. At a hearing last month, MGM urged regulators to reject the petitions. MGM Springfield President Mike Mathis claims Northampton will benefit from a casino in Springfield
MGM’s traffic studies find the casino would have a minimal impact on Longmeadow and no impact on Hampden.
