HARTFORD — The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes say they’ve received both amended and new sites in northern Connecticut for their proposed casino.
The tribes’ MMCT Venture announced Monday possible locations in East Windsor and South Windsor have been submitted. They’re in addition to possible sites in East Hartford, Hartford and Windsor Locks.
“I think it’s good for the capital region because not too far from here is the science center and the convention center and I think it could create a synergy to have this area as a destination area in the Hartford region,” said Matthew Galligan, South Windsor’s Town Manager. “We do need to protect the revenues of the State of Connecticut.”
An application was also submitted from Plymouth, but it’s not being considered by the tribes.
Saturday marked the deadline for a second request for site proposals to be submitted to the tribes, who hope to build a jointly-run casino to compete with the planned MGM Resorts International casino in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The tribes say a third casino is needed to protect jobs at their southeastern Connecticut casinos.
This project ultimately needs legislative approval. The legislature reconvenes in January.
Some town leaders say they’re cautious about the long term ramifications of bringing a casino to town.
“This should go out for referendum so people in the community have a say and know what they’re getting into and they know the impact it’s going to have on their lives,” said Dr. Saud Anwar, South Windsor Town Councilman.
