Chamber Supports Leominster Slots Plan

Three weeks before Leominster voters go to the polls to decide whether they want the state’s only slots parlor in their city, the $200-million project has gotten the backing of the local chamber of commerce.

In a statement, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce said it supports the development that would be built on Jungle Road, near Interstate 290 and Route 117.

“The chamber’s board of directors voted to back the development after polling our members and conferring with business leaders across our region, as well as in Maryland,” chamber President David McKeehan said in the statement. “The Cordish Cos. has a proven track record for creating profitable, well-managed entertainment destinations across the country and for supporting the local communities where they do business.”

PPE Resorts, a subsidiary of Baltimore-based Cordish is the project developer.

“We’re proud to support a project that will create so many new jobs and contribute millions of dollars in tax revenue to the commonwealth,” McKeehan said.

Joe Weinberg, a managing partner of Cordish, said the company is pleased to have the chamber’s support.

Cordish recently opened an office at 9 Sack Blvd. for voters with questions, and a local business vendor fair will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 10 at City Hall for those interested in working with the company on the slots project.

“We are committed to maintaining an open dialogue with officials and residents of Leominster, providing information and answer questioning as the referendum date approaches,” Weinberg said.

In July, Cordish signed an agreement with the city that would bring at least $3.8 million to Leominster annually with the promise of at least 500 permanent jobs.

Last month, a slots proposal in Millbury won the endorsement of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce which touted the potential economic development for the region. Millbury voters will also go to the polls Sept. 24 to decide on their slots proposal. Raynham is the only other remaining competitor for the license, and its residents overwhelmingly approved a slots plan last month. Developers have until Oct. 4 to submit voter-approved final plans to the state’s gaming commission, which will decide by the end of the year where the slots parlor where be.

Read more

MGE Drops Millbury Slots Bid

Slot Parlor Applicants Make Cases to Gaming Panel

Input Meeting Monday on Leominster Slots Plan