The tribal partnership that proposed a third casino for Connecticut said it’s heard from new towns that might want to host the facility. But the communities that were originally in the running are finding the process frustrating.
In mid-September, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes announced that they would solicit fresh bids from towns in North Central Connecticut that might want to be the site of a new casino. That’s despite the fact that Windsor Locks and East Hartford have been in the running for almost a year.
East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc told WNPR’s Where We Live that communication about the reopening of the process has been minimal.
"We received the notification just as the public did, through the paper," she said. "I did receive a phone call after it was already announced. Was I disappointed? I would be telling you I would be significantly disappointed."
Despite the wrinkle, Leclerc is bullish about East Hartford’s advantages as a site for the casino, and she believes it’s essential for the whole region to recapture revenue that might otherwise go to the MGM casino that’s under construction in Springfield, Massachusetts.
"I think if everyone were to understand the devastating consequences that would arise, if we don’t step forward and support this new casino – I’m telling you as a municipal leader it wouldn’t be pretty in my community," she said, adding that the mil rate in her town might have to rise.
Two sites have been put forward in Windsor Locks, including Bradley International Airport.
But First Selectman Chris Kervick said he wants more information from the tribes before the town signs on.
"Until we know what it means in terms of revenue to the town, until we know what it means in terms of public services – police, fire, ambulance, those types of things – I think our residents are wisely taking a wait and see approach," he said.
The tribal chairmen said on Where We Live that their partnership won’t make a final site decision until early next year – something that was news to Kervick.
"January, now?" he said. "You know, Windsor Locks is undergoing some pretty exciting changes right now, and this issue is, I mean it sounds like a big one, but it’s not the primary issue on our radar screen."
Towns interested in bidding for the casino have until October 15 to submit a proposal.
