Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes are asking the communities interested in hosting a new casino near the Massachusetts border to move ahead with their local approval processes.
The request comes as the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes review five possible locations. The tribes have said they hope to select a site by Dec. 15.
Entities in East Hartford, East Windsor, Hartford and Windsor Locks submitted proposals this month. East Hartford's Planning and Zoning Commission already approved a special permit, allowing the former Showcase Cinemas property to be used for such a facility.
Robert Maynard, the first selectmen in East Windsor, said if the tribes want his community to move forward with a referendum on whether to allow a casino, it will do so.
The tribes are offering to compensate for referendum costs.
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