Middleborough casino still causing concern despite vote

2007-07-30 16:36:26

Local officials in Middleborough have expressed concern that a new $1 billion resort casino will affect the quality of life in nearby Massachusetts communities.

John Bruno, selectman for Halifax, said that there is anxiety about higher levels of traffic in the area, which could affect public safety.

"We can't just sit still when something in an abutting community is going to have a huge impact on us," he told the Boston Globe.

And selectman Charles Evirs Jr told the newspaper that the interests of neighbouring towns must be protected.

These concerns follow a vote in which local residents voted 2,387 to 1,335 in favour of the casino, which is to be built by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe.

In return for permission to build the casino, the town would receive $250 million in infrastructure improvements and up to $11 million in annual payments.