MGM Resorts Unveils Casino Plan In Brimfield
BRIMFIELD (CBS) — MGM Resorts International says it has signed a contract with a local landowner in Brimfield, to develop a resort casino in the western Massachusetts town.
The Las Vegas casino company formally announced its plan Thursday, saying it would purchase 150 acres of land in a remote area of Brimfield from the Rolling Hills Estates Realty Trust.
An understated New England introduction from the #1 man at MGM, Jim Murren who wants to build a resort casino in the quaint town of Brimfield. "We need to earn your respect and trust," he said today.
WBZ-TV's Karen Anderson reports
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
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Murren, a Connecticut native, took the media on a tour of his proposed site, which is right off the Mass Pike. "Unless you seek us out we're not going to intrude on your daily life at all," Murren said. "But you will know about the jobs." He says the plan would bring in 3,000 permanent jobs.
David Callahan, the owner of Palmer Paving who owns the property, says, "The site MGM intends to develop is without question the most isolated and remote location of all those proposed in Massachusetts."
The team says the Pike will be the only way in and out, except for emergencies. The style, they say, will be sensitive to New England and the surroundings. "No lights, no flashy stuff. This is going to be low key," Murren said. They're calling it Rolling Hills Resort, and have set up an office in Brimfield.
Brimfield's Police Chief Charles Kuss says many people in town are waiting to hear more. "I remain optimistic that it will be a good program and a good plan. If they do the right thing by the town, then the town will embrace them." He believes if there will be a casino in the area, it is better to be the host town so you have more control over it, than to have one right next door and be a neighboring community.
But already there is opposition. Johanna Lynch says, "I don't believe this is is the right place for a casino. This is a country town and it would change the town way too badly."
What about competitor Mohegan Sun, which has already invested in Palmer? Murren says, "Game on."
