Westfield is now a proposed casino location in Western Mass. The news stirs mixed-emotions among Westfield residents and MassLive.com readers.
Westfield Mayor Daniel M. KnapikWestfield residents have mixed opinions over whether or not their town should be considered a possible location for the pending casino to be built in Western Mass.
Westfield mayor, Daniel M. Knapik released on Monday that he had spoken with Penn National Gaming company about a possible opening of a resort casino at the former potential Pavillion Mall site near the Massachusetts Turnpike in Westfield.
Westfield residents will have a chance for a city-wide vote to see what the general consensus is. Holyoke, downtown Springfield, Brimfield and Palmer have all, at one time or another, been considered a potential site for the region's casino.
Mayor Knapik, who is also a Wesfield native, called the casino an economic development opportunity that would bring an entertainment venue to the city, shopping and approximately 2,000 jobs, ranging from lower-level housekeeping or custodians to “six-figure salaries.”
A casino can generate $20 million to $40 million in property tax revenue that would help with Westfield’s current budget problems. According to Knapik, Westfield is facing a $4 million budget deficit.
The budget issues and other problems faced in Wesfield worry residents. Some look at the casino proposal as a way to generate revenue, increase property value and create jobs that will stimulate the town and surrounding area. Others, look at the casino proposal as an idea that does more bad then good --- that the casino is not needed in Westfield, that it will agitate already high levels of traffic and that other surrounding towns could pose as an equally good location for the new casino.
Here are some comments and opinions on the issue from Westfield residents as well as MassLive.com readers:
Vixen413 said:
After living through the very poorly executed construction project currently happening in Westfield, I shutter to think of how badly the city of Westfield would handle such a large project. If this actually happens, I will most definitely be moving. Hasn't the city of Westfield put the citizens through enough with this never ending "revitalize Westfield" project? Many of the small businesses have already had to shut their doors. A casino would be the final nail in the coffin of those that have somehow managed to hold on through the existing catastrophe in the city. Terrible idea.
TP1031 said:
The details are far better laid out then this article provides. The deal would require them to address and pay for the traffic repairs need to have casin there. Also not mention is the large reduction in property tax this would provide Westfield residents. I don't think it fair at this point as a resident to say no. We have to get business into Westfield. Our schools all need repair. The downtown is a wasteland. WE NEED JOBS, if you have an alternative to the problem fine but don't just throw it away.
Nancestef said:
Westfield can't handle the traffic it has now...how in the heck will we handle casino traffic.
Bad idea.
Unaffiliated584 said:
Westfield is perfect for the casino. I live and work here, and I will be voting for it! Reduce my taxes and improve my schools! A casino is the perfect business to be near jet noise, since casinos are usually noisy inside anyway. Traffic will mostly come from Mass pike exit 3, turning Northbound on 10-202, so it won't clog downtown any worse than its always been. We get tax income, jobs, more entertainment and gaming convenience; people coming from the West get a more reasonable drive than a Palmer casino would be. Westfield is close enough to I-91 to attract potential casino guests coming south from Vermont and New Hampshire. To reduce potential backups onto the Mass pike, it would be nice if the turnpike authority could eliminate the ridiculous toll booth at exit 3 (and other western mass exits), where most people are waiting in line only to pay no toll, and replace them with one toll booth across the Pike in Palmer, but other than that: Bring it on, as long as it includes a poker room! Get it done!