A new design plan for MGM’s Springfield casino will be presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Thursday.
MGM must persuade the commission that its new design is an improvement over the one that earned the company the sole casino license available in western Massachusetts.
MGM is scraping plans for a 25-story glass façade hotel tower in favor of a six-story building, but still with 250 rooms. MGM says it still plans to spend a minimum of $800 million on the project.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said he was skeptical, at first, but has now tentatively endorsed the changes.
City Councilor Tim Rooke said MGM’s new plan is sound.
" I think people are looking for something to complain about and that is what holds Springfield back, the naysayers," said Rooke.
The Springfield City Council must also approve the new design.
