Foxborough Hasn't Applied for Plainridge Mitigation Funds

FOXBOROUGH, MA — Local communities have access to $600,000 in mitigation funds from Plainridge Park but so far, only two communities have taken advantage of the cash.

Available in $100,000 grants for each community, only Mansfield and Wrentham have applied to use the money. Plainville, Foxborough, Attleboro and North Attleboro have not, according to the Sun Chronicle.

Mansfield's funds were used to help cover the costs of a crime analysis that was hired last year. Wrentham has applied to use the funds to cover the costs of a Route 1 traffic and zoning study that is expected to cost $50,000.

The other towns have not committed to using the mitigation money, with Foxborough unable to find a use for the funds.

"You have to be able to defend it. There has to be evidence there’s an impact. We talked about it and we haven't been able to find anything," Foxborough Town Manager Bill Keegan said at Tuesday's selectmen meeting.

Selectman Chris Mitchell said he was against Plainridge receiving the slot license, but hasn't noticed any impact caused by the slot parlor and racetrack.

Mitigation funds can be used to offset the impact of the facility. According to a presentation given to the state's Gaming Commission by the crime analysis, there is a small increase in crime in the area but it's uncertain whether or not Plainridge is the cause.

Image via Massachusetts State Police