MGM Resorts International has announced that it plans to cut the size of its casino development in Springfield by nearly 14 percent.
In a notice of project change filed late last week with Massachusetts environmental regulators, MGM said it planned to reduce the scope of the project by 122,000-square feet.
The most recent filing with the state calls for a reduction in retail and restaurant space, a smaller bowling alley and movie theater, and the elimination of 387 parking spaces in the casino garage.
The company announced last month it was eliminating a 25-story hotel tower and replacing it with a six-story hotel that would include the same 250 rooms.
MGM has said it remains committed to Springfield and the targeted completion date for the project is still September 2018.
Mayor Domenic Sarno, in a statement released just ahead of a Tuesday press conference, was clearly annoyed.
“From what I thought was a frank discussion, it is incomprehensible to me why, when meeting with [MGM officials] to speak about the redesign to the hotel that the changes to other amenities were never mentioned,” Sarno said. “Consequently, My team and I are reviewing the impact this site plan would have on jobs and revenue and I will not approve any changes to the design that have a negative impact.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.