SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – The head of MGM Resorts International is heading to Springfield this week to shore up support for its $800 million resort casino.
President William Hornbuckle visits the city on Monday to “reaffirm” his company’s commitment to building the downtown complex.
Hornbuckle plans to meet with Mayor Domenic Sarno. The sit-down meeting comes as MGM has proposed a drastic redesign of its original casino concept and has asked for a one-year delay in opening to September 2018.
The Springfield City Council, meanwhile, has called for a non-binding citywide referendum in November on the proposed design changes.
MGM’s redesign eliminates a 25-story glass hotel tower and 54 apartment units. Some councilors are questioning whether the project will still deliver on promises of 2,000 construction jobs and other economic benefits.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.
