Slots Developer Interested in Milford

A developer is interested in Milford as a location for a slots parlor, and wants to meet with local officials to discuss the proposal.

The developer is represented by attorney Walter J. Sullivan Jr. of Boston, who did not identify his client, in a letter to Town Administrator Louis Celozzi Jr., or in a phone conversation with him.

Massachusetts legislators approved up to three resort-style casinos, and a slots parlor, in a bill signed by Gov. Deval Patrick last year. Under the act, the developers have until Jan. 15 to submit proposals to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which will conduct an initial review.

A slots parlor differs from a casino in that all of the gambling is electronic. Milford has also had interest from a developer of a resort-style casino. "Crossroads" developer David Nunes has indicated he plans to submit a proposal for a Milford casino.

Either development, casino or slots parlor, would require approval in a townwide referendum vote, said Elaine Driscoll, communications director for the state's Gaming Commission.

At one point, legislators favored authorizing up to two slots parlors in the state, and locating them at existing race tracks, including horse and dog tracks. But in the final bill, legislators cut the number to a single facility, and eliminated the requirement for it to be located at an existing track, said state Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford). Massachusetts has four existing dog or horse tracks, including two with active racing and two that feature live video.

Sullivan, the attorney interested in meeting with Milford selectmen, contacted Celozzi initially by phone, the town administrator said, and then followed up with a letter. Sullivan would not identify his client, and did not say anything about where the facility might be located, Celozzi said.

"He didn't give me anything," Celozzi said, about specifics.

Sullivan could not be reached Monday morning for comment.

In his letter, Sullivan said his client may be interested in developing a slot parlor in Milford, but first wants to determine if the town is interested, and where it would like to see it located.

"We would very much be interested in meeting with you to discuss my client's background/history in gaming throughout North America, and beyond, and what a slot parlor would mean to Milford," Sullivan wrote.

Celozzi provided the letter to Milford Selectmen in their correspondence packet. The board meets tonight for its first regular session of the month.