The Massachusetts Gaming Commission announces key dates for Phase 2 process in Southeastern Massachusetts
- July 09, 2015
- by MGC Communications
- 0 comments
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) today announced key dates important to potential host and surrounding communities to a resort-casino in Region C (Southeastern Massachusetts). These estimated dates outline the processes in Phase 2 of the two-part application process and include: the negotiation of surrounding community agreements, public input hearings, and host community hearings. Additionally, the Commission expects that the license award will take place in March, 2016. However, if there are no contested surrounding community or impacted live entertainment venue agreements, the license could be issued as early as January 2016.
Please note that this timeline is only an estimate and is subject to change. To view the current projected timeline, please visit the Timeline page.
Additional Facts about Phase 2:
- MGC has received RFA-1 applications from two applicants: KG Urban, and Mass Gaming & Entertainment
- RFA-2, or site-specific, applications are due to the Commission on September 30, 2015.
- The RFA-2 application consists of questions in five categories of questions in the RFA-2 application: General/Overview, Finance, Economic Development, Building and Site Design, and Mitigation.
- Public input hearings in potential host communities are required by statute to afford residents a chance to speak directly to the Commission about gaming proposals.
- Though not required by statute, the Commission holds hearings in potential surrounding communities as another opportunity for public engagement
- The ‘surrounding community’ designation is unique to Massachusetts. This designation provides communities experiencing impacts from a gaming facility certain rights. These include consideration of impacts when the Commission awards a license, right to participate in advisory committees to the Commission, and access to monies in a Community Mitigation Fund set aside for future unforeseen or unforeseeable consequences of a nearby gaming facility.
