Briefing: The 5 Would-Be Slots Sites
With Leominster and Millbury officials having signed host community agreements with developers, there are two Central Massachusetts communities among the five that are in the running for the only slots parlor allowed under the state's 2011 gaming law. Voters in Millbury and Leominster will go to the polls Sept. 24 to vote on the plans. A “no” vote kills the deal.
What's a host community agreement?
It's an agreement reached between the developers and the communities where the slots parlors would be located. It spells out what the community would receive, such as property tax revenue and community benefits. For example, Leominster's agreement with Cordish Cos. says the company would provide the city at least $3.8 million a year, $1 million of which would come from property taxes. Millbury, meanwhile, stands to gain at least $3.25 million a year. Some agreements also specify how many people developers will hire — permanently and for site construction — to underscore the impact on the labor market. Once the developer and community reach a deal, the community can schedule a ballot referendum.
What happens if a community votes “yes”?
That means the developer can submit final plans to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The commission must receive final plans by Oct. 4 before it decides where the slots parlor will be located. The other sites in the mix are in Plainville, Raynham and Tewksbury.
What about the potential impact on nearby communities?
The commission will allow feedback from residents of communities surrounding a host city or town. The commission can decide if a neighboring community will be impacted by a slots parlor, then give the applicant and that community 30 days to negotiate a “surrounding community” agreement. If they can't reach an agreement, the commission will require the two sides to submit to binding arbitration.
Meanwhile, what is the commission doing?
It's completing background checks of applicants “to ensure they meet the high standards for good character, honesty, integrity and financial suitability.” Investigations cover regulatory history in other states, financial stability, compliance and recent litigation, among other factors. The developers in Leominster and Millbury — Cordish and Mass Gaming & Entertainment, respectively — have passed that step.
When will the license be awarded?
The panel says it will make the decision by December.
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