Mohegan Sun reaffirms commitment to Palmer casino plan
One of Connecticut's major casinos reaffirmed its commitment to building a Massachusetts casino in the town of Palmer.
Mohegan Sun officials, who were not available last week to respond to news that formal legislative sessions on Beacon Hill had ended July 31 without an agreement on legislation authorizing casinos and racetrack slot facilities, released a statement Monday, hours after tribal officials met with town officials.
"We remain committed to the community of Palmer and to all those who have supported us with such great strength throughout this process," Jeff Hartmann, chief operating officer of Mohegan Sun, said in a statement. "We continue to believe Palmer is an optimal site for a destination resort casino, the market for expanded gaming in Massachusetts remains strong, and the Western Massachusetts region is vital to any gaming discussions moving forward because of its ability to maximize jobs, public revenues and economic development."
Palmer is located near Ludlow and Belchertown.
An ad hoc group pushing for a Palmer casino on Monday morning promoted a meeting Monday morning between town officials and the tribal government of the sovereign Mohegan Nation.
According to a press release from Citizens for Jobs & Growth in Palmer, the group viewed the meeting as an "historic occasion" and hoped it "will continue to enhance Palmer's lead on the casino issue."
Jennifer Baruffaldi, a spokeswoman for the citizens group, said group members and the public were not allowed to attend the meeting at town hall but hoped that Mohegan would "solidify their commitment to this project."
Informed of Hartmann's statement, Baruffaldi said, "That is wonderful news."
