As reported by: The Milford Daily News
Casinos could be in the cards for Milford and Marlborough, but local and regional officials aren't exactly starry-eyed over the idea.

While casinos have yet to be approved by Massachusetts lawmakers, Marlborough City Council President Arthur Vigeant is skeptical of billionaire Sheldon Adelson's rumored interest in bringing gambling to his city.

"I'm open-minded to talk about it, but I'm not real excited about it," said Vigeant, who is running for state representative. "...I'd still rather attract some good clean industries - biotech and high-tech and medical pharmaceutical companies. I think that's a better way to go."

Meanwhile, about 15 miles south on Interstate 495, Colorado real estate developer David Nunes is exploring Milford as a host community for a casino he wants to build.

Milford Selectman Bill Buckley says it's too early to talk about the plan, which was made public last week, but he said it would be "terrible" if a casino opened in a neighboring town.

"Anything that would keep me up at night would be that scenario," Buckley said, worrying about traffic and other secondary affects. But if a casino came to Milford, officials say the town could reap about $50 million a year in taxes and payments in lieu of taxes, and benefit from negotiated infrastructure improvements.

Last week, Nunes called his plan "very, very, very, very" preliminary, especially considering Milford can't bring in blackjack, baccarat and craps games until the state legalizes casinos.


Article By: The Milford Daily News