Casino Developer to Introduce Plans

A developer will pursue plans to build a multi-million dollar casino in Milford, according to a report in the Boston Business Journal.

David Nunes, the proposed developer of "Crossroads," contacted Milford Town Administrator Louis Celozzi, and told him he would be presenting a proposal for a $650 million casino development to Milford Selectmen this year, the Business Journal reported.

Celozzi could not be reached Friday.

Nunes is a Colorado-based developer who in previous years said he wanted to build a casino on undeveloped property off Interstate 495 in Milford.

Milford Selectmen signed a memorandum of understanding with him in the spring of 2011, indicating they would review only proposals from him. As part of that, Nunes contributed $60,000 to the town to offset anticipated costs to research impacts of a proposal. 

The process for casino development in Massachusetts, approved by the legislature last year, requires developers to submit proposals to the state's Gaming Commission by Jan. 15, 2013.

The state ultimately will authorize a casino license for up to one proposal in three regions. Milford shares the region that will include an expected proposal for a casino development at the current Suffolk Downs horse racing park.

The process requires initial approval from the state, said Brian Murray, chairman of the Milford Selectmen. That level of review is aimed at whether the developer has the appropriate financing for the project. Then, the developers are to seek approval from the host communities.

Milford voters would have to authorize a casino, in a referendum vote.

At this point, Murray said Friday, it's premature for a casino developer to approach the town with a specific proposal.

"Until his team receives approval from the state to enter into this arena, it's not productive" for the town to spend time or resources on the project, Murray said.

"I would respectfully tell him we've gone as far as we're interested at this point."