The Massachusetts Gaming Commission Thursday voted to allow MGM Springfield to begin construction on its proposed $950 million casino. The commission has spent a few weeks reviewing potential environmental and budgetary impacts from changes MGM made to its initial project plan. A few red flags went up, among them, whether local vendors could compete for storefronts, if the retail space is reduced by more than a third. Robert Scarpelli from HLT consultants told commission members that most changes take place behind the scenes, and should not affect gaming operations.
In addition, Scarpelli says his team found MGM’s “ability to provide a four star hotel offering is not comprised by the design modification from the tower to a low rise structure.” HTL also came to the conclusion that MGM’s plans to change from a buffet to a market concept, like a food court, might have an impact on the older customer segments.
Any impact on gaming revenues, Scarpelli, says will be dictated by market factors. The review by Springfield city officials and state agencies, including Massachusetts Department of Transportation continues. Based on those reports, the commission may amend its decisions.