MGM says it remains committed to its planned Springfield casino project despite having to adjust to unforeseen circumstances. The company presented city councilors Tuesday night with some proposed design changes that include eliminating a 25-story glass hotel tower.

MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis told councilors delays brought on by the statewide casino referendum and the Interstate-91 viaduct project have considerably driven up the costs associated with building a tower. But he says a six story structure would more ideally suit the boutique hotel concept the company wants to build in the city.

“You can go to any major city and stay in a high-rise tower. Now make no mistake, we believe the tower would have been successful. But the point is that what makes New England and New England cities very unique is to provide a very high end hotel product in a historic Main Street environment,” says Mathis.

Most councilors reserved judgement on the changes until MGM presents a more detailed plan in mid-November. However many councilors, including E. Henry Twiggs, expressed annoyance at Mayor Domenic Sarno and his staff that the council learned of the plan only after it was released to the media and public.

“A couple of us could have gone in on that meeting, but we don’t get the information. But they send it to us at the last moment and want us to be in full agreement. But that ain’t the way it works,” says Twiggs.

City Council President Mike Fenton withdrew a proposal for a  ballot question on the proposed design changes after a disagreement with Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola on a petition deadline.