Casino Coordination Begins

by Bobby Blair 2/17/12

"It's obvious here tonight that the sentiment is anti casino" -- Jay Leary, Selectman

Fifty-three residents gathered Wednesday night in the Adams School auditorium at the suggestion of the selectmen to plot the next step in the process of a proposed casino on Holliston's border in neighboring Milford. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Jay Marsden mediated the session. Marsden, who lives off Dunster Road in Braggville will be directly afftected as a proposed casino would literally land in his backyard. Marsden said that the gaming commission will be bombarded with a mantra from developers seeking approval of jobs, development and revenue over and over again. He asked residents to think about how housing, water and transportation issues may affect them. Dunster Road neighbor Joe Mastrangelo suggested making the leigslature realize that some of the affected-area towns are pissed off and will take legal means outside of the gaming enactment. Marsden warned residents to not be naive to think Milford will vote a casino down just because Holliston would on a non-binding referendum. Marsden answering one resident's question said his board has had very little communcation with Milford town government.

Marsden also suggested placing a non-binding casino question on the upcoming presidential election ballot in November and hoped other affected-area surrounding towns may do the same. Selectman Jay Leary suggested the town or area towns could hire a professional or lobbyist on their behalf to protect our interests. Marsden is hoping that those in attendance will volunteer to form sub-committees to see how transportation, housing, and other casino related problems may affect the town. Resident Barry Snyder even cited the flooding and beaver problems near Paul Road as a transportation issue. Selectman Kevin Conley remarked, "We all know what can happen to the quality of life here and in neighboring towns if a casino should arrive." Rep. Carolyn Dykema was on hand to answer several residents' questions.

Posted in Politics, Comings/Goings, News.

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