Flores believes a casino in downtown Springfield would bring local jobs as well as attract visitors to the area.
Heriberto FloresSPRINGFIELD– While some may avoid downtown because of perceived crime and violence, Heriberto Flores is one of those who sees the possibilities of the city.
“I think the city has a lot of potential,” he said. “And, I think things are starting to turn around for the better.”
Flores is president of the New England Farm Workers Council, a nonprofit organization which has purchased several major pieces of property along Main Street, including the Paramount Theater, the Stonewall Tavern, and the block which houses the Fort and Student Prince restaurant.
Flores envisions more restaurants with outdoor seating, the staging of large concerts and theater productions, and more cultural events downtown, especially if a casino locates in Springfield. Several proposals are pending.
“I’m definitely in favor of a casino in downtown Springfield,” he said. “I think there is a lot of potential there.”
Flores believes a casino would bring local jobs as well as attract visitors to the area.
“They will come to gamble, but then they can also take advantage of the many venues available downtown. They could catch a show at the Paramount or the MassMutual Center and eat at a restaurant. There could be a lot of benefits to the city,” he said.
Flores is currently working on renovating the Paramount, including the upper-level floors, which have not been used for many years. On the first floor, a new Indian restaurant will open in several weeks, and Flores is planning a high-end Puerto Rican restaurant on the block as well.
“I don’t mean a cafeteria-style diner, but a sit-down, high-quality restaurant,” he said. “The idea is to have people of all social economic backgrounds feel comfortable coming to downtown, having a nice meal and watching a good show.”
There are several other plans for the nonprofit’s properties, including turning the former Stonewall Tavern into a cigar bar and opening a beer garden near the Fort.
Flores is also hoping to attract theater productions and concerts to the area. He is kicking things off with an Oct. 19 concert at Symphony Hall, featuring the Puerto Rico Philharmonic.
“This is a great collaboration between the city of Springfield and Puerto Rico. This event will be an opportunity for people to see some of the wonderful things about Latino culture, particular the beautiful music,” he said.
Flores said he is not the only one, pointing to businessman Evan Plotkin who has come up with the concept of a public art initiative, featuring artist James Kitchen’s sculptures across the city.
“He gets it. He sees the potential in the downtown area, and I hope more people will too,” Flores said.