Some living near Mass. casino sites feel left out
WALPOLE, Mass.—Walpole residents like Mike McCarthy who live just yards away from the site of a proposed casino may not have any say in whether its built.
The state's new casino law requires a vote of approval by residents of a "host community." The $1 billion resort proposed by Las Vegas casino operator Steve Wynn on land owned by
McCarthy, who has two young children, worries about the impact a casino would have so close to his home.
The casino law does require developers to negotiate "mitigation" agreements with surrounding communities that could include money for traffic improvement of additional police.
Stephen Crosby, chair of the five-member gaming commission that will oversee casino gambling, says neighboring cities and towns will have a "fair amount" of leverage in casino talks.
