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Health & Fitness

Does Milford's "Better Future" Include Local Businesses??

My wife and I have frequented many of the local restaurants and other local businesses in town over the years. We have even become close friends with many of the business owners.

I was motivated to develop a petition last summer regarding the impact of a casino on local businesses for the Board of Selectmen. The petition was signed by over thirty Milford-area domiciled business owners who care about Milford and are opposed to the casino. Many signed the petition because they are not only concerned about the economic impacts of a casino, but are also very sensitive to other substantial impacts the casino would impose on Milford, such as increased crime, traffic, and water restrictions.

Milford’s business owners are hardworking taxpayers. These businesses have supported our town over the years; they have supported our youth sports and many other charitable programs.

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All the business owners who signed the petition share a sincere and intense concern for the potential loss of business!

Foxwoods’ current proposal boasts 55,000 square feet of “10 distinctly branded restaurants and cafes” and 10,000 square feet of bar and lounge space.

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The proposed destination resort casino will need thousands of employees. If a local restaurant has trouble meeting its employment needs now, then where will the casino get 3,000 workers? 

City of Norwich officials recently pointed out visitors do not stop at their local businesses; the only exception is Dunkin Donuts on the main access road. They summarized the situation like this, “People drive to the casino and leave the casino pure and simple.”

The businesses that will flourish if we allow a casino to be built here include pawn shops, check cashing operations, and high-interest lending establishments, such as pay day lenders.

The Gamming Commission’s expected “WOW FACTOR” that we all keep hearing from Mr. Stephen Crosby will harm the very people and businesses who have supported Milford over many many years.

Voting NO to support local business is just plain common sense! 

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