Community Advisory Committee met for first time on Sept. 24

Oct. 2, 2019 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – A new committee will begin meeting to discuss ideas to present to MGM Springfield designed to improve communications between the city and the casino, to advance the casino’s growth and to leverage the economic development potential the casino represents.

At the organizational meeting for the Community Advisory Committee for the MGM Springfield Casino on Sept. 24, City Solicitor Edward Pikula told the committee members “there are still some holes” – unresolved issues – when it comes to casino development. He noted the recently announced construction of Wahlburgers, the 54-market rate apartments that are part of the Host Community Agreement (HCA) that have yet to be developed and the redevelopment of the storefront space at the intersection of State and Main streets, currently the home of Focus Springfield.

“We want to see how to make MGM and Springfield successful,” Pikula said. He added the committee is a continuation of the Casino Liaison office that communicated with the MGM management during the construction of the casino on behalf of the city.

The committee was a provision of the HCA and created through an executive order by Mayor Domenic Sarno. The committee is required to meet at least four times a year, although Pikula said Sarno might ask them to meet more than that.

The recommendations developed by the committee are non-binding.

The committee includes:

  • Mayor’s appointments: Denise Jordan, Leo Florian, Jose Claudio
  • MGM appointments: Seth Stratton, Arlene Carballo, Bishop Talbert Swan
  • City Council appointments: David Patrick Morrissey, Vanessa Otero, Johnnie Ray McKnight
  • Springfield Chamber appointment: Patrick Leary
  • Mass Latino Chamber appointment: Mildred Arroyo

Chief Development Officer Timothy Sheehan told the committee he would like them to see presentations from a number of organizations about expanding tourism to the city including the Visitors and Convention Bureau and the Springfield Business Improvement District. He also said that he would like to hear from MGM Springfield about how they have expanded their entertainment offerings to draw more people to the city.

Former mayoral Chief of Staff Denise Jordan was selected chair of the committee and Pikula discussed the ethical responsibilities of being on the committee as well as the provisions of the Open Meeting Law.

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