It would take 18 months to build a resort casino in Palmer, across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8, Etess said.
The latest rendering of the Mohegan Sun casino project in Palmer.WARE – Mohegan Sun officials brought their pitch for a Palmer casino to the neighboring town of Ware on Tuesday night, to a packed room at Teresa’s restaurant as part of its series of “community conversations.”
Mitchell Etess, chief executive officer, stressed that Mohegan remains committed to the Palmer project. He said they hope that the Legislature finally approves casino gaming, and that Mohegan wins a license so it can operate the $600 million resort-style casino off Thorndike Street (Route 32).
It would take 18 months to build a resort casino in Palmer; the site is across from the Massachusetts Turnpike exit 8.
“I think we have, without question, the best location for gaming,” Etess said. “I think we could bring a lot to the table.”
Etess spoke about the 2,500 to 3,000 full-time jobs the project would create. He advised those in support of the project to contact their legislators to let them know. Mohegan officials also unveiled the latest rendering of the proposed project, showing the 600-room hotel and trestle-like design at the front of the casino – a nod to Palmer’s railroad heritage.
Ware Selectman William R. Braman asked about mitigation for abutting communities.
Paul I. Brody, Mohegan’s vice president of development, said again legislators should be contacted, so it can be included in any proposed casino bill.
Mona M. Beaulieu, of Palmer, said she is excited about a casino coming to Palmer, but asked Brody and Etess how committed they are to the area, given another casino project underway in the Catskills in New York that is slated to open in two years.
“We are here. We are committed. Our goal from the beginning has been geographic and economic diversity,” Etess said.
Etess later said that he wasn’t worried that a Mohegan Sun in Palmer would take away too much business from its operations in Uncasville, Conn.
“We believe there is a lot of power in multiple projects,” Etess said.
Brody estimated that Mohegan has spent more than $10 million on the Palmer project; that in itself shows commitment to the area, he said.
Etess said that Mohegan Sun representatives were surprised that casino legislation wasn’t passed last summer.
Plans have changed since the Palmer casino was first unveiled in 2007. It has gone from 3,000 to 2,500 slot machines, and from a theater with seating for up to 5,000 to a multi-use ballroom up to 1,500 square feet. Its price tag also has dropped from $1 billion to $600 million.
Chester M. Zajac, 69, of Monson, said he is eager for a Palmer casino to open. He said he makes the 55-mile trek to Mohegan in Connecticut regularly because he likes “the atmosphere . . . the whistles and bells.”
“There’s no draw in Palmer for anything,” Zajac said. “This would be like a Mecca.”
Nurse Donna R. LaFleur, of Palmer, said she also supports the project, and cannot wait for it to open. LaFleur said a casino would be a reason for people to visit Palmer. Because Mohegan is proposing a “fly-over ramp” from the turnpike, she does not think traffic would be an issue.
Rush G. Blankenship, of Monson, said he supports the project.
“It would be a big win for Western Massachusetts,” Blankenship said.
Meanwhile, Paper City Development is proposing a casino for the Wyckoff Country Club off Interstate 91 in Holyoke.