The Massachusetts Gaming Commission unanimously approved a plan on Thursday that will allow MGM Springfield to begin construction on its proposed $950 million casino in the city's downtown.
The vote endorsed MGM's plans to mitigate any environmental impacts of the casino project. Pending Springfield City Council approval, it clears the way for MGM to demolish buildings on the 14.5-acre site where the casino will be built.
Ombudsman John Ziemba said the commission is withholding its approval of the casino's controversial design changes pending further review by state and city officials. "It is expected the review will continue into January," he said at the commission meeting.
The commission voted in August to allow MGM Springfield to open in September 2018, more than a year after it was first awarded the resort casino license.
MGM Springfield has proposed reducing the size of the project to a six-story rather than 25-story hotel. The changes also increase the cost of the project -- from $150 million to $950 million -- and reduce its overall square footage.
The commission plans a separate vote on the design changes at a later date.
This report includes information from WAMC's Paul Tuthill and The Associated Press.
