Live stream: MGM Resorts International, ...
 
Tuesday December 11, 2012
4:31
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hello everyone. Folks are starting to make their way into the City Stage theater here in downtown Springfield.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:31 Robert Rizzuto
4:39
Robert Rizzuto: 
Throughout the forum, I'll work to provide you with color from inside the theater, analysis of what is being discussed and answer any questions you may have. The seats are starting to fill and we are still scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. so stay tuned!
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:39 Robert Rizzuto
4:43
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM casino supporters gather outside forum in downtown Springfield. Stick with @masslivenews for live video & analysis. pic.twitter.com/Dophd6T1
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:43 RRizzuto413
4:49
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
City officials & casino executives talking ahead of the jump off at the casino forum here at City Stage in Springfield. pic.twitter.com/XxDDGoqf
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:49 RRizzuto413
4:54
Robert Rizzuto: 
The capacity of the main theater here is 491 and they have set up an overflow room with a monitor that holds approximately 85 people. It will be interesting to see how many folks show up. So far, probably about 200+ in the room.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:54 Robert Rizzuto
4:56
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National Gaming made headlines earlier as they opened an office in downtown Springfield. That story is here: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/penn_national_opens_office_in.html#incart_big-photo
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:56 Robert Rizzuto
4:57
Robert Rizzuto: 
Then later in the day, The Republican's publisher announced the company has signed an agreement with Penn National to sell them the property should Penn get the sole Western Mass. casino license. That report from Dan Ring is here: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/penn_national_gaming_signs_dea.html#incart_river_default#incart_big-photo
Tuesday December 11, 2012 4:57 Robert Rizzuto
5:00
Robert Rizzuto: 
In other casino-related news, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse said late last night that despite his about face on the prospect of a casino in the Paper City, that none of the projects on the table may meet his criteria for support. That report from veteran reporter Mike Plaisance is here: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/holyoke_mayor_alex_morses_casi.html
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:00 Robert Rizzuto
5:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
And we've begun.

Mayor Sarno: If we do this the right way- this can be a game changer for the city of Springfield.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:02 Robert Rizzuto
5:03
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Still some open seats in the theater, although people are walking in now. pic.twitter.com/vou3JPWf
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:03 RRizzuto413
5:04
Robert Rizzuto: 
The city has asked the casino companies not to comment on the other's proposal as a rule of the forum.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:04 Robert Rizzuto
5:06
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National Gaming officials are taking the stage to give their proposal.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:06 Robert Rizzuto
5:08
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National has 45 minutes to give their pitch. Local partner Peter Picknelly is not in attendance. pic.twitter.com/SATZaKqh
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:08 RRizzuto413
5:10
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National President Timothy J. Wilmott: Partnership with Peter Picknelly is the right one in the right community.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:10 Robert Rizzuto
5:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National is now using a promotional video to introduce the group to the company.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:11 Robert Rizzuto
5:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
Kansas City mayor speaks in video about positive experience working with company. For some background, Penn National Gaming owns 26 facilities in 18 states.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:13 Robert Rizzuto
5:17
Robert Rizzuto: 
Wilmott: Our project will require more moving parts in northern section of downtown than any other.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:17 Robert Rizzuto
5:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National to address traffic and parking concerns.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:20 Robert Rizzuto
5:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Company Official: 90 percent of traffic that would come to our site would use highways.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:20 Robert Rizzuto
5:22
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says its project includes enhancements to local highways, such as direct on and off-ramps direct to casino.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:22 Robert Rizzuto
5:24
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says numbers aren't exact, but they expect their project to create: 2500 construction jobs and 1,500 casino-related jobs.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:24 Robert Rizzuto
5:25
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
A look at a new conceptual drawing of the Penn National proposal. pic.twitter.com/2FkxuNHL
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:25 RRizzuto413
5:26
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says it wants to create a food-beverage bar scene in Springfield that "people can be proud of."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:26 Robert Rizzuto
5:27
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says the local plan involves a partnership with Doug Flutie to open his first sports bar.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:27 Robert Rizzuto
5:28
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
Penn National says Doug Flutie is on board with their casino project. pic.twitter.com/E6EMfZmf
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:28 RRizzuto413
5:29
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National talking about moving The Republican news organization as outlined by the publisher earlier today in Dan Ring and Peter Goonan's reports.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:29 Robert Rizzuto
5:32
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National: Our joint venture involves about 20 acres of property along riverfront. We will be responsible for whatever we create there- not the city.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:32 Robert Rizzuto
5:34
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says it is in talks with New England Farm Workers Council about rehabbing the Paramount Theater aka the Hippodrome. "We're not looking to take entertainment business away from anyone in Springfield."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:34 Robert Rizzuto
5:35
Robert Rizzuto: 
Just as a note, the crowd is an attentive and diverse one, although the room is not at capacity.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:35 Robert Rizzuto
5:36
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National closing with a video showing construction of a casino and some of the lights and glitz of the resorts.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:36 Robert Rizzuto
5:37
Robert Rizzuto: 
As another side note, both Penn National and MGM spent the day at City Stage preparing for their presentations tonight. Both companies had dress rehearsals on stage before the crowd entered.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:37 Robert Rizzuto
5:39
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National President Eric Schippers: "We've been trying to figure out how to plug our economic engine into other businesses and facilities in the area.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:39 Robert Rizzuto
5:41
Robert Rizzuto: 
Schippers says that some companies take "cookie cutter approach to diversity," but they will spend "a lot of time coming up with robust diversity plan."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:41 Robert Rizzuto
5:42
Robert Rizzuto: 
Schippers says donations to community are "independent" of project and done because they care for the communities they inhabit.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:42 Robert Rizzuto
5:44
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both Penn National and MGM have been spending money in Springfield over the past few months. For a look at the latest on donations to community groups, read Dan Ring's story here: http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/12/casino_companies_in_western_ma.html
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:44 Robert Rizzuto
5:45
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National invites community to their office on Main Street to see the plans and speak to company representatives. And we are in a brief intermission,
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:45 Robert Rizzuto
5:46
Robert Rizzuto: 
So far, the crowd is engaged and interested. Penn national got a respectful applause. MGM is up next in about 5 minutes.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:46 Robert Rizzuto
5:54
Robert Rizzuto: 
In other casino-related news, a Bay State developer is maneuvering to bring a slot parlor to Worcester. That story is here: http://www.telegram.com/article/20121211/NEWS/121219898
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:54 Robert Rizzuto
5:55
Robert Rizzuto: 
And MGM is introducing itself through a promotional video.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:55 Robert Rizzuto
5:57
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM comes out the gate with a video highlighting glitz and excitement. It is showing the lights, shows and attractions associated with some of their resort casinos.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:57 Robert Rizzuto
5:57
Robert Rizzuto: 
And the video gets applause from the crowd.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:57 Robert Rizzuto
5:58
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM Chairman Jim Murren is at the podium.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:58 Robert Rizzuto
5:59
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren actually grew up in Fairfield, Ct.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 5:59 Robert Rizzuto
6:01
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren is speaking of MGM's "iconic international resorts" while glamorous, stylized photos of the buildings shuffle slowly on a slideshow behind him.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:01 Robert Rizzuto
6:04
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM Chair Jim Murren addresses the crowd at City Stage. pic.twitter.com/elYWkJDR
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:04 RRizzuto413
6:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren says his company can deliver benefit of big name to city of Springfield through entertainment, dining and retail shopping.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:05 Robert Rizzuto
6:06
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren: Most folks would probably consider us an entertainment company.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:06 Robert Rizzuto
6:07
Robert Rizzuto: 
He says that although gaming made up the largest chunk of the company's 2011 profits in the US (38%), they are more known for their ancillary aspects.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:07 Robert Rizzuto
6:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren says that 63% of its employees are minorities.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:08 Robert Rizzuto
6:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
The Human Rights Campaign ranked the company high for its treatment of LGBT employees. MGM International earned a perfect score in its Corporate Equality Index this year. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/mgm-resorts-named-one-of-the-best-places-to-work-for-lgbt-equality-earns-perfect-score-for-its-lgbt-employee-policies-and-benefits-2012-11-14
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:11 Robert Rizzuto
6:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren: I'm amazed at the assets you have here in Springfield, as he cited the museums, Basketball Hall of Fame, etc.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:13 Robert Rizzuto
6:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
He says the company wants to weave together all the city's assets to "bring people back to Springfield."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:13 Robert Rizzuto
6:16
Robert Rizzuto: 
On the topic of jobs, MGM says it's project would create 2,000 construction jobs and 3,000 new permanent resort jobs. He says company pays an average of $56,000 salary at its Detroit casino.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:16 Robert Rizzuto
6:16
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren: "We can provide careers, not just jobs."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:16 Robert Rizzuto
6:19
Robert Rizzuto: 
Murren: Detroit was a city that could use a little help when we moved in there. He says they spent $803 million there. The Springfield proposal is also around $800 million.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:19 Robert Rizzuto
6:21
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM Chair Jim Murren says company wants to help Springfield through development. pic.twitter.com/vmsZqiB7
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:21 RRizzuto413
6:23
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM President Bill Hornbuckle uses wireless lapel mic to walk in front of podium and get closer to the crowd.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:23 Robert Rizzuto
6:24
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hornbuckle: We have a program that involves a trolley network to unify all the important aspects of downtown.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:24 Robert Rizzuto
6:26
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hornbuckle says his company has the pull to draw in solid entertainment acts to the MassMutual Center, Symphony Hall and City Stage as they would be the "only ticketed venues" in downtown.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:26 Robert Rizzuto
6:28
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM Prez. Bill Hornbuckle says Springfield's history is an attraction to build off of. #WesternMa pic.twitter.com/slGUiE1z
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:28 RRizzuto413
6:29
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hornbuckle says that the Springfield plan is more involved than the traditional casino gaming plan to "put you in a box and confuse the hell out of you."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:29 Robert Rizzuto
6:29
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says their plan also includes 4,500 free downtown parking spots, available to public without fee Mon-Fri.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:29 Robert Rizzuto
6:32
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM Prez. Says its Springfield hotel is designed not to negatively impact surounding community and other hotels. pic.twitter.com/3g2sCNzT
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:32 RRizzuto413
6:32
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hornbuckle: What is it we are most concerned about coming to Springfield? It's public safety.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:32 Robert Rizzuto
6:33
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hornbuckle" To make someone from West Harford, Ct. want to come to Springfield, they have to think its safe."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:33 Robert Rizzuto
6:34
[Comment From Suzanne Suzanne : ] 
Re: Jobs. Aren't the construction jobs temporary? What guarantees are there that local contractors will benefit? Also, obviously the resort jobs are permanent, how will local residents benefit? Doesn't one need experience to be considered for the higher paying roles? The wait staff jobs will most likely not pay a significant salary.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:34 Suzanne
6:37
Robert Rizzuto: 
Suzanne, I believe the construction jobs typically just involve constructing the facility. To ask Mr. Hornbuckle directly, jump back on Masslive.com tomorrow at 12:15 pm as we host him for a live chat Q&A with the readers.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:37 Robert Rizzuto
6:38
Robert Rizzuto@RRizzuto413
MGM says it wants to redevlop the waterfront as it is largely under-utilized in Springfield. pic.twitter.com/xElHUI5x
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:38 RRizzuto413
6:39
[Comment From Suzanne Suzanne : ] 
What's the crowd like? Are people engaged? Cheering? Booing? Any reactions?
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:39 Suzanne
6:40
Robert Rizzuto: 
The crowd is attentive, respectful and mostly just watching and listening. Everyone seems to be taking it in.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:40 Robert Rizzuto
6:40
[Comment From steve steve : ] 
mgm has done a great job in detriot
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:40 steve
6:41
Robert Rizzuto: 
To take a look at the MGM Detroit project, check out the pics on the official website. www.mgmgranddetroit.com
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:41 Robert Rizzuto
6:42
Robert Rizzuto: 
Now Hornbucke is leading the crowd through a 3D, live-action fly through of the MGM plans. Virtual Springfield if you will...
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:42 Robert Rizzuto
6:43
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM gets solid applause from the crowd. We have a 5 minute break and then the Q&A.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:43 Robert Rizzuto
6:43
[Comment From Suzanne Suzanne : ] 
Thanks. I am actually surprised at what I am reading and seeing. I am not a Spfld resident but leaned toward anti-casino however now I am reconsidering my position.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:43 Suzanne
6:45
[Comment From Suzanne Suzanne : ] 
I've seen the Detroit site in person, it is nicely done but there have been many stories about crime and cleanliness.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:45 Suzanne
6:45
[Comment From JIm JIm : ] 
I agree MGM did a great job.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:45 JIm
6:45
[Comment From Mark Mark : ] 
What an eyesore! Don't let MGM turn our city into an amusement park.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:45 Mark
6:46
Robert Rizzuto: 
I am hearing from city officials that there are more than 40 people who have registered to ask questions. That session should be starting in a few minutes, so stay tuned.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:46 Robert Rizzuto
6:50
Robert Rizzuto: 
Folks, to post general opinions about casinos please use the MassLive comment section below. If you have specific questions or reflections on the substance of what we're hearing, use the live chat window. Thank you
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:50 Robert Rizzuto
6:53
[Comment From PokerFan PokerFan : ] 
Robert, did MGM presentation mention a poker room?
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:53 PokerFan
6:54
Robert Rizzuto: 
Pokerfan, I don't remember seeing a poker room mentioned specifically, although if MGM's other casinos have them, they could potentially incorporate one in this plan as well.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:54 Robert Rizzuto
6:55
[Comment From Rock Rock : ] 
Did Penn National get into specifics about what they would do with the riverfront property they would acquire?
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:55 Rock
6:56
Robert Rizzuto: 
Rock, Penn National didn't get into specifics for riverfront development like MGM did. They discussed the property they would end up developing, and said that any parks created on it would be up-kept by them.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:56 Robert Rizzuto
6:58
Robert Rizzuto: 
First question relates to Springfield's existing assets, such as the Hall of Fame and the Springfield museums. Man asks how a casino would help them rather than hurt them.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:58 Robert Rizzuto
6:59
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says "there is a lot we can do through cross-marketing and cross-promotion... We want them to see all that Springfield has to offer.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 6:59 Robert Rizzuto
7:00
Robert Rizzuto: 
Jay Snowden says the company's plan to use trolley service to connect downtown arts and entertainment venues are paramount to this.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:00 Robert Rizzuto
7:01
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says that their restaurants and entertainment facilities will compliment the others in the city.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:01 Robert Rizzuto
7:03
Robert Rizzuto: 
Local woman cites fears of increase in prostitution, crime and gambling addiction, asking how companies would help.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:03 Robert Rizzuto
7:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM rep says that problem gambling is public health issue and that problem gamblers "aren't the kind of customers we want."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:05 Robert Rizzuto
7:06
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM: Addressing crime is paramount concern for us. Says they would invest in law enforcement to help offset potential increases.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:06 Robert Rizzuto
7:07
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn national says that after opening up casinos in other states, they've seen that there haven't been the significant increases in crime that some worried about. They urge people to look toward other communities to see for themselves rather than take their word for it.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:07 Robert Rizzuto
7:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
As a note on this topic, we, as a news organization, will be looking at the issue of crime and casino host communities going forward by speaking with people in such communities.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:08 Robert Rizzuto
7:09
Robert Rizzuto: 
Local man asks that once casino is up an running, would they be open to allowing unionized workforce.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:09 Robert Rizzuto
7:10
Robert Rizzuto: 
Both casino companies have signed agreements with local construction unions agreeing to give them the work should their respective projects be approved. Mohegan Sun in Palmer has also signed a similar agreement.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:10 Robert Rizzuto
7:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says that many of its facilities are unionized and they don't have a problem with the notion.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:11 Robert Rizzuto
7:12
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says it is also open to allowing employees to be unionized, but it wants to focus on helping employees in other aspects of their lives.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:12 Robert Rizzuto
7:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
SEIU folks in crowd applaud last man for prodding companies about unions.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:13 Robert Rizzuto
7:14
Robert Rizzuto: 
Next man asks Penn National to talk more about alliance with Peter Picknelly, CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:14 Robert Rizzuto
7:15
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says Peter Picknelly has the right to invest up to 50% in venture for up to 7 years from the beginning of business.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:15 Robert Rizzuto
7:16
Robert Rizzuto: 
Next man asks Penn National to talk more about alliance with Peter Picknelly, CEO of Peter Pan Bus Lines.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:16 Robert Rizzuto
7:17
Robert Rizzuto: 
A woman who says she lives downtown tells both companies that she hopes their respective pitches remain positive. She asks for a commitment from both that they won't go negative.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:17 Robert Rizzuto
7:18
Robert Rizzuto: 
City says that both companies have expressed that although it is a competition, they plan to tout own projects rather than turn on the other person.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:18 Robert Rizzuto
7:19
Robert Rizzuto: 
Woman asks to hear it directly from the companies.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:19 Robert Rizzuto
7:19
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National and MGM both say that they intend to stay positive and competitive through their campaigns.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:19 Robert Rizzuto
7:20
Robert Rizzuto: 
Two young men, local community college students, ask the casinos how they decide which non-profits to support.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:20 Robert Rizzuto
7:23
Robert Rizzuto: 
Two young men made pitch for local group operating in North End. Both companies say they work to find worthy agencies in communities they work with for years to come.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:23 Robert Rizzuto
7:27
Robert Rizzuto: 
Man asks about what casino companies plan to do to help the parts of downtown in between the highlights they mentioned.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:27 Robert Rizzuto
7:31
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says the relocation of the Republican's offices are part of that plan. MGM says its land acquisitions in the South End include many middle properties and that they are part of their plan.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:31 Robert Rizzuto
7:33
Robert Rizzuto: 
Woman asks how many jobs will be offered that are administrative and not in food service. Both companies say they offer opportunities for people to develop careers. Penn National further says it will partner with local community colleges to develop job training programs.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:33 Robert Rizzuto
7:36
Robert Rizzuto: 
Man references Jim Kinney article talking about need to replace I-91 in the coming years. Asks how companies plan to deal with this. Article is here: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/10/big_dig-springfield_i-91_in_ci.html
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:36 Robert Rizzuto
7:37
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says that access is critical to their business and they would look at it, but don't have enough information to talk specifics.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:37 Robert Rizzuto
7:38
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM talks of how tax money that goes to the state would be used to repair the interstate. Another MGM official says that in talks with the state, the latest is that they are considering making the raised portion of it level with the ground, but that reconstruction is still years out.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:38 Robert Rizzuto
7:40
Robert Rizzuto: 
A woman talks about how bad traffic is already in Western Mass., especially around Six Flags, the Big E, and I-91. She wants to know what they have planned to address traffic issues.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:40 Robert Rizzuto
7:42
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says their traffic study will soon be public information and people can check it out then. Another MGM official says he has been living her for several months now, and that he knows the problems with traffic. He said they would work with the city and state to help out in "any way we can."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:42 Robert Rizzuto
7:43
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn national says it will be "part of the solution" to the traffic problem here. They say they would also install a ring road around their facility to minimize traffic impact to local streets.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:43 Robert Rizzuto
7:46
Robert Rizzuto: 
City resident Bob McCarroll has taken the stage to ask about the impact on historic buildings.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:46 Robert Rizzuto
7:47
Robert Rizzuto: 
McCarroll says he supports a casino downtown but is concerned about the loss of historic buildings in the South End for MGM's plan and at the Kitterage building with Penn National in the North End.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:47 Robert Rizzuto
7:48
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says that they have worked with other communities to ensure concerns are addressed when developing and they would do the same here.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:48 Robert Rizzuto
7:48
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM points out that McCarroll is currently renovating the second-oldest house in Springfield right now and has brought several others back to life. MGM says that it did what it could to preserve some buildings in their plan, such as the Armory, but that not all could be saved.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:48 Robert Rizzuto
7:54
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:54 
7:54
Robert Rizzuto: 
On top is the MGM plan, which is set in the South End, while below is the Penn National plan, which includes properties in the North End of downtown, including The Republican's building.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 7:54 Robert Rizzuto
8:00
Robert Rizzuto: 
A Mulberry Street man takes the mic with excitement about a casino in downtown Springfield. He is urging the companies to use local vendors when possible, and he is challenging them to hit the streets on foot to see the city in person.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:00 Robert Rizzuto
8:01
Robert Rizzuto: 
His statement draws applause and he even offers to buy the execs dinner at Red Rose Pizzeria.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:01 Robert Rizzuto
8:02
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM folks say they have been walking the neighborhood and "will continue to do it."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:02 Robert Rizzuto
8:04
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says "whatever we do here has to fit in with fabric of community." They pledge to look at impact on local businesses and say they are "up to the challenge" to walk the streets with the man at the mic.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:04 Robert Rizzuto
8:04
[Comment From Kris Kris : ] 
Has anyone in Q&a inquired as to the politics that may be operating behind the scenes.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:04 Kris
8:05
Robert Rizzuto: 
Hi Kris, no one has publicly alluded to any political dealings in conjunction with the casino plans.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:05 Robert Rizzuto
8:06
Robert Rizzuto: 
A woman asks what is the plan since the PVTA bus system stops early in the evening and many employees may be working unorthodox shifts while living out of walking distance.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:06 Robert Rizzuto
8:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says they want to have that conversation with PVTA and that at other casinos, local transportation routes have expanded once they open.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:08 Robert Rizzuto
8:08
Robert Rizzuto: 
MGM says that through conversations with the state and the PVTA, they are "confident we will work out a solution."
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:08 Robert Rizzuto
8:11
Robert Rizzuto: 
Penn National says it is excited to troubleshoot the transportation issues in relation to the project, through working with their partner, Peter Pan Bus Co.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:11 Robert Rizzuto
8:13
Robert Rizzuto: 
Maple Street man thanks casinos for coming, but questions why city didn't work to have it translated considering the large Hispanic population.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:13 Robert Rizzuto
8:18
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:18 
8:18
Robert Rizzuto: 
Timothy J. Wilmott, President and CEO of Penn National Gaming, speaks with the Republican and CBS3 Springfield, during an interview at their new office at 1610 Main Street, Tuesday afternoon. (Republican Photo by Mark M.Murray)
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:18 Robert Rizzuto
8:21
Robert Rizzuto: 
Well folks, thanks for tuning in and sticking with the live chat. The streaming video in the window above will continue rolling through the end of the forum. Remember, we will be chatting live with MGM President Bill Hornbuckle tomorrow at 12:15 p.m.-1 p.m., as he answers your questions.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:21 Robert Rizzuto
8:22
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:22 
8:22
Robert Rizzuto: 
Bill Hornbuckle, President and CMO of MGM Resorts and President of MGM Springfield makes a casino presentation at City Stage in Springfield on Tuesday evening. (Republican Photo by Dave Roback)
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:22 Robert Rizzuto
8:24
Robert Rizzuto: 
Again, thank you for joining us and stick with MassLive.com for the latest on casino-related developments. And if you've missed any part of tonight's event, the city is planning on uploading the full video to its website this week. For a full report, tune in to CBS-3 Springfield at 11 p.m. this evening and check out tomorrow's edition of The Republican.
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:24 Robert Rizzuto
8:25
Robert Rizzuto: 
Good night folks... ~Robert Rizzuto
Tuesday December 11, 2012 8:25 Robert Rizzuto
8:27
 

 
 
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