Casino Developer to Introduce Plans
A Colorado developer has told a town official he's going to introduce a proposal for a casino in Milford by the end of the year.
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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."
Tyler Collins
2:48 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
If this does get as far as a vote, I'll be giving a resounding NO. Seriously, as if Milford doesn't already have enough on its plate. Didn't they already approve plans for this in Taunton? With that, the expected location at Suffolk Downs, and the rumored location in Springfield, it seems a bit unnecessary to put it Milford when there are already much better suited candidates.
Mary MacDonald
3:56 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Tyler, I think the proposal for Taunton is in a different region. I know there is a southeast region, and a western region. Milford is in the eastern division with East Boston (Suffolk Downs). In all, up to three resort-style casinos could be authorized in MA under the state legislation. The state commission hasn't approved anything yet for any applicant... the process is just starting...
Tyler Collins
4:21 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Good to know, Mary.
Tony
4:29 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
More people speaking without thinking. Anyway, my vote will be a resounding yes! The democratic process.
Jeff Weise
3:28 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
Tony - You might benefit from looking into the present status of Foxwoods in CT - they
are teetering on bankruptcy. Too many casinos may be a short term blessing for construction workers but than a long term curse on all of us.
Tyler Collins
5:05 pm on Friday, October 26, 2012
Speaking without thinking? The point still remains that Milford is definitely not the best equipped area for a resort style casino.
Tony
1:15 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
That is ok, you are entitled to your opinion.
Ed Bertorelli
6:31 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
The discussion is really "stillborn" anyway. Does anyone seriously think that the Boston proposal will NOT be approved. It is in the Speaker of the House's District and enjoys the support of all the Boston power brokers. Also Milford's proposal would be vetoed by DPU /EPA over water concerns. Short of piping water in from the MWRA aqueducts at Southboro at enormous expense and years of litigation, there are not adequate water resources. All proposals (including wells) would draw off the already overused aquifer and have a bad effect on the Charles River which starts in Hopkinton and Milford. So Tony and Tyler we may never even get to the point of a vote.
Mark Cain
7:52 am on Saturday, October 27, 2012
The illegals will flock there for jobs since Patrick already passed the decision for no E-Verify on any new gambling casino jobs last year! Thanks Patrick.
Amy Ritterbusch
10:45 am on Monday, October 29, 2012
Residents may sign the Petition to Keep Milford Casino-Free at http://www.change.org/petitions/neighbors-for-a-casino-free-milford.