Former Springfield Police Chief Paula Meara was selected as chairman of the casino committee, which will evaluate any proposals.
Paula Meara, retired Springfield police chief, left, is chairman of the Springfield Casino Site Committee, as James J. Ferrera III, president of the City Council, looks on during press conference on Friday at City Hall.SPRINGFIELD — City Council President James J. Ferrera III on Friday named a 15-member Springfield Casino Site Committee that will serve to review any proposals to locate a casino in the city and evaluate their impacts on the community.
The new committee, chaired by former Police Chief Paula Meara, will conduct public meetings, and release its findings and recommendations to the City Council and the public, Ferrera said during a press conference at City Hall.
“Locating a casino in Springfield can be the best development for the city or it can be the worst,” Ferrera said. “We may have an opportunity to help make a casino development successful not only for the gaming company and the state, but more importantly for the people and businesses within our city and surrounding area.”
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission must approve any casino in the state. Under the legislation, three casinos are permitted in Massachusetts, including one within the four counties of Western Massachusetts.
Thus far, one casino is proposed in Springfield. Ameristar Casinos of Las Vegas is planning a casino on a 41-acre parcel on Page Boulevard in East Springfield.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has stated he welcomes any and all proposals, and will rely on the expertise of a future hired consultant to assist in the process.
Ferrera said the council has powers over land use issues, and would have to vote on any needed zone changes or special permits for a casino if one is to be located in Springfield. Under the legislation, the mayor would be responsible for negotiations with casino developers and would need to sign any community host agreement with the developer, subject to approval from voters.
The committee expects to conduct an organizational meeting within two weeks.
Sarno declined comment on the formation of the council committee.
This story will be updated with more details later today