Paper City Development wants to turn the golf course into a $450 million casino resort with 1,500 jobs.
Casino supporters make their case in February outside the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House on Easthampton Road.HOLYOKE – The City Council Tuesday will be asked to approve an item that supporters say is a routine step aimed at releasing city control over land that could wind up being part of a casino gambling resort.
Paper City Development, a limited liability company with mostly local players, wants to buy Wyckoff Country Club and make it a gaming resort if the state legalizes casino gambling.
For such a sale to go through, the city would have to certify at the Registry of Deeds that it releases right to title and interest in 4.5 acres at the northern end of the property in relation to a so-called reverter clause. That clause states that if the 4.5 acres ever ceases being used for a golf course – which is what would happen if it is bought by Paper City Development – the property reverts back to city ownership, said lawyer John J. Ferriter, representing Paper City Development.
The property was transferred to the country club owner decades ago in relation to construction of Interstate 91 that took part of the golf course, Ferriter said.
The item the council will consider also would surrender city right of first refusal to purchase the property, he said.
It was likely the City Council would refer the item to its Public Service Committee for consideration at a future meeting, he said.
Wyckoff owner Diane L. Wojtowicz, of Holyoke, has referred to Paper City Development as “our development partner.” She has said a casino resort would fit the vision that her late husband Clarky Wojtowicz had for the site.
Gov. Deval L. Patrick and legislative leaders have said the casino issue will be considered after Labor Day.
Discussions have included permission for three casino resorts in the state, including one in Western Massachusetts.
Paper City Development wants to buy Wyckoff and build what its representatives say would be a $450 million casino resort providing 1,500 jobs.
Joseph A. Lashinger Jr., of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., a lawyer with casino experience in Pennsylvania and other areas, is manager of Paper City Development.
Other players include media consultant Anthony L. Cignoli, of Springfield; former Springfield City Councilor Anthony W. Ravosa, who now lives in Connecticut; Holyoke lawyer Aaron W. Wilson; David M. Bartley, former president of Holyoke Community College and former speaker of the state House of Representatives; and Martin J. Dunn, former mayor of Holyoke.
If the state legalizes casino gambling, Paper City Development faces competition for a Western Massachusetts resort. Mohegan Sun has been pitching since 2007 its plan for a $600 million gaming complex in Palmer across from Massachusetts Turnpike Exit 8.