Chicopee, Palmer, Springfield, Holyoke – Contenders for the Western Mass Casino?

September 16, 2011 by Marie Posted in Current Events, Politics 2 Comments

The Springfield Republican is reporting that at least three gaming entities could be vying for the rights to develop a resort-style casino in Western Massachusetts. Penn National Gaming has expressed interest in a Springfield-area site; Mohegan Sun of Connecticut has been planning a casino resort for 152 acres it leases off Exit 8 of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Palmer; and Paper City Development is proposing a casino for the Wyckoff Country Club off Interstate 91 in Holyoke.

Official comments from the Republican article:
Chicopee Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette said city officials have also discussed a casino for his city with Penn National Gaming… Palmer Town Council President Paul E. Burns said a casino in Palmer would bring needed jobs to the town, and the region… Paper City Development estimated 2,000 construction jobs over 12 to 18 months and 1,500 permanent jobs at a Holyoke casino… Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno – who threw his support behind the Palmer location back in 2001 – said he has talked with Penn National Gaming about a possible casino for Springfield, but he downplayed the potential of that actually happening.

Read more about the casino activity for the western Massachusetts option here at masslive.com.

2 Responses to Chicopee, Palmer, Springfield, Holyoke – Contenders for the Western Mass Casino?

  1. Dean says:

    I can see a casino in the Springfield. It is only 150 from Springfield to New York City. It is a 2 hour and 40 minute drive. Keep all the N.Y. Giant and N.Y. Jets fans in the western part of the state. I bet most of the jobs will go to people from greater-New York.

  2. Jack Mitchell says:

    I agree with Dean on the NY draw. My friend lived in NYC most his life. That part of the MA was his area to “go and get away.” He has since moved to Turner Falls, MA to settle down with a family.