MGM’s plan to scrap a 25-story hotel tower on its planned casino in Springfield could face some opposition. Springfield City Council president Michael Fenton says he was caught off guard by the announcement on Tuesday that MGM plans to instead house the hotel in a six story building with the same number of rooms.
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“If their first proposed change is to eliminate the largest and most visible aspect of their project, I can only be concerned about what might lie ahead,”says Fenton.
Fenton says he plans to hold an emergency city council meeting next week, and will invite officials from MGM and Mayor Domenic Sarno’s administration. The changes will need City Council approval. Fellow Councilor Kateri Walsh says the casino won’t be as impressive without the tower.
“When the gaming commission was deciding who would get the ultimate approval for the casino in Springfield, they talked about the ‘wow factor.’ I think that tower was part of the ‘wow factor,'” Walsh says.
MGM officials will outline their plan to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission at a meeting on Thursday in Springfield.