MGM Springfield begins state environmental review process - KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar Bluff

MGM Springfield begins state environmental review process

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By Michelle London - email
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) -

MGM Resorts International announced that it has filed its environmental notification form to begin the environmental review for MGM Springfield, its proposed Downtown Springfield development on Friday. 

Along with the filing, the MGM team members reached out to government officials in communities surrounding Springfield to begin introducing the environmental discussion. They expect to schedule meetings with officials in the coming weeks as they continue the process of preparing for a gaming license in Western Massachusetts.

A complete environmental notification form is required under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act for a development that meets or exceeds certain thresholds. 

The size, scope and location of the MGM Springfield proposal triggers the review. MGM is the first applicant in Western Massachusetts to take this step in the design and entitlement process.

As part of the filing guidelines, potentially impacted communities must be supplied copies of the ENF, which details the potential environmental impacts of the development.

The seven communities that MGM will file with are Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Ludlow, West Springfield and Wilbraham. 

Mike Mathis, Vice President of Global Gaming Development, said, "Today we are reaching out to officials in communities around the project to let them know that we are initiating the state's environmental review process. We hope to meet with folks in person very soon and begin a dialogue specific to the environmental review."

The letter sent to the communities explained that there is a clear distinction between the MEPA process and the Massachusetts Gaming Law's process for working on surrounding community agreements.

"Although MGM looks forward to sitting down with surrounding communities to get their perspective and priorities moving forward, we are not yet at that stage of the process," Mathis explained.

MGM Springfield has proposed to develop an $800 million world-class residential, retail, dining and entertainment district on approximately 14.5 acres of land between Union and State streets, and Columbus Avenue and Main Street. MGM is seeking the sole gaming license in Western Massachusetts.

Copyright 2013 WSHM (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

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