In court, Springfield asserts right to say ‘no’ to MGM casino sale
Springfield fought in court to keep its dispute with MGM Springfield over the casino sale out of closed-door arbitration and in public court.Summary
Springfield appeared in Superior Court on Wednesday to argue that its disputes with MGM Springfield over the sale of the $970 million casino to Canadian private equity firm Clairvest should be decided in court and before the public, not in closed-door arbitration. MGM has claimed the city is unfairly delaying the sale and seeks $500 million in damages, saying a transfer restriction agreement compels arbitration. The city counters that MGM has failed to meet its 2013 host community agreement obligations, including promised staffing levels and gaming machines. The casino now has about 1,655 employees, 1,519 slot machines, and 60 table games, well below the 3,000 jobs, 2,800 to 3,000 slots, and 75 to 100 table games originally promised. Springfield also cites MGM's failure to develop its property at 101 State St. Mayor Dominic J. Sarno has publicly complained about the unsightly scaffolding and concrete Jersey barriers there. City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti said the city will not approve the sale until these issues are addressed. Judge Jeffrey Trapani is expected to rule in a few weeks.
(Source：Masslive)