Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes to Host Meeting on Development in Windsor Locks

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT – The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes in Thursday announced that a community conversation session regarding potential casino development in the area has been scheduled for 7 p.m. on Jan. 26 in the Windsor Locks High School auditorium.

“It’s no secret that we believe we’ll bring a ton of resources to whatever town is ultimately chosen and to the region as a whole,” said Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman Rodney Butler. “Especially now, when the state is faced with the possibility of additional cuts to municipal aide, the millions in tax revenue we would bring to a community will help to keep costs down and possibly lower taxes for residents. Working together with the community, we can build a sustainable local and regional economy that benefits everyone.”

“We’re not coming to this meeting with fancy renderings or a signed agreement,” said Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown. “We want to be good neighbors, and a huge part of that is engaging local residents to hear their concerns and answer their questions. It’s also a chance for us to clearly outline the positive elements we want to bring to the community, like the good paying jobs with good benefits that are so in need right now. We look forward to beginning this conversation next week, and to working with communities in the weeks and months ahead.”

Locations in Windsor Locks include Bradley International Airport and the Thrall Tobacco Farm site on Old County Road.

The Thrall property was previously considered as a location for the Simon retail outlets.

“As we evaluate this opportunity, it is important that the citizens of Windsor Locks have access to detailed and accurate information,” Windsor Locks First Selectman Chris Kervick said. “This meeting will provide all of us with an opportunity to become better informed and I appreciate willingness of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes to share their vision with the people of Windsor Locks.”

Recently, the state’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis found that MGM's project will further hurt state finances by nearly $70 million in its first year of operation, tribal officials said. A study commissioned by the tribes reports that more than 9,000 jobs will be lost if the state takes no action to compete against the billion dollar casino under construction in Springfield.

Photo Credit: MMCT Venture