I support MGM Springfield but isn’t it time to reopen fully?

Jan. 17, 2023 | G. Michael Dobbs
mdobbs@thereminder.com

When MGM Springfield was being built, a public relations person for the gaming giant called me after I wrote a story about security at the casino – not yet open – and asked me “Why do you hate MGM?”

I’ve never hated MGM nor have I ever hated the idea of a casino for Western Massachusetts much less for Springfield. I voted for it.

There were statements made that simply needed questioning. I want the casino to succeed as the jobs and revenue it brings to the area are sorely needed.

Plus, I love the movie theater.

I have been increasingly concerned, though, that while revenues are at or reaching the pre-coronavirus pandemic era – MGM Springfield grossed $22 million in November 2022, the most recent released figure – too many of the amenities are still not fully operational.

The casino still has one basic entrance open, with other entrances closed. I understand with the coronavirus pandemic they wanted to make sure everyone was wearing a mask and to ensure that all patrons had to wear a mask and go through a checkpoint.

Today though there is no mask mandate. So why not reopen the multiple entrances? That was one of the major design elements of the casino.

My wife and I wanted to eat at TAP one recent Sunday afternoon. The place had many open tables but we were told there was a half-hour wait. The reason given was there were not enough servers on duty.
Why? Is the casino not offering adequate rates of pay for the job? Not all of the casino’s eateries are fully open at this point and is staffing the only reason?

The Indian Motorcycle shop has not reopened and the former Spiritualist Church where Kringle Candle was located is also still closed. The best bar in the complex – the Lobby Bar – is also still shuttered.

The poker room is still running at half capacity.

Yes, the casino has revived the comedy club, a new coffee bar has been opened and Agawam’s Macho Taco now is serving in the food court. The ice rink was brought back as well. These are all good, but they are not enough.

The problem is one of perception. If people visit MGM and see these closings and other vestiges of the coronavirus pandemic, they could assume there are still problems. That is not of benefit to the casino, especially with other casinos in the state and not too far away in Connecticut.

MGM is a massive company with many properties across the country. I understand if the operating details of its most eastern outpost may not get the scrutiny as other properties, but how MGM does in Springfield is truly important to Western Massachusetts residents.

I’m a little worried

When two very smart guys I know send me the same story, I know something is important. Joan Vennochi, a columnist for the Boston Globe, wrote an eye-opening piece on Jan. 4. It details the significant problems with the rail cars being produced at CRRC MA in Springfield. The problems are so severe that she reports that MBTA Deputy Director Mark DeVitto wrote the company, “Given the breadth, number and age of chronic quality issues that have remained unresolved, it becomes abundantly clear that CRRC MA’s management has completely abandoned its core responsibilities and commitment to lead, monitor and support quality management. This situation has already caused major disruptions, rework and delays in production and delivery of Orange and Red Line cars.”

The city, this region, cannot afford to lose any union manufacturing jobs.

The State House News Service in a story dated Sept. 29, 2022, quoted MBTA Deputy General Manager Jeff Gonneville, “We are finding that we are identifying issues through inspection, and those issues then disrupt the efficiency of the production flow, because CRRC has to go back, fix or correct those quality issues, which then disrupts the flow of production in the Springfield facility itself. It’s really because of this that we, the project team, the MBTA, does feel as though CRRC does need to make some changes to their manufacturing in Springfield really to be able to even meet these dates they’re projecting.”

CRRC MA needs to get its act together. Western Massachusetts can not handle a failure of this magnitude.

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