Western suburbs mobilize on casinos

By Lisa Kocian, Globe Staff

Framingham and other towns in the western suburbs started planning this week to join forces to address concerns about casinos.

Known for their rigid independence and fierce sovereignty, Massachusetts communities are usually suspicious of any sort of regionalization. But the possibility of a resort-style casino in Milford has communities thinking there is power in numbers.

“I think the casino issue needs to be discussed from a regional perspective,” said Framingham Selectman Dennis Giombetti, before moderating a meeting on casinos Wednesday. “Obviously the host community will have some jurisdiction, but the actual casino will have a major regional impact.”

Residents and officials from several towns including Natick, Wellesley, Ashland, Hopkinton, Holliston, Milford, and Framingham gathered at the Ashland Public Library for “Regional Casino Contingency Planning: Collaborative Preparation for a Potential Gaming Destination in 495/MetroWest." The meeting was organized by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, the 495/MetroWest Partnership, and other groups.