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Agreement between Massachusetts and Indian tribe paves way for Taunton casino

by James Swierzbin

JSwierzbin@abc6.com

The state of Massachusetts and the Mashpee Wampanaog Tribe have reached a tentative agreement, to build a 500-million dollar resort style casino, in Taunton.

But there's still a lot that has to happen, before the resort casino gets built.

For the pro-casino crowd in Taunton, this tentative agreement announced Wednesday by Governor Deval Patrick, is an exciting development.

"It's going to be a huge economic benefit to the city of Taunton." said Taunton's mayor, Tom Hoye.

Mayor Hoye has been firmly behind the idea of building a casino in Taunton because he believes it will bring jobs and a hefty economic windfall.

"We're guaranteed at least 8-million dollars per year plus an additional 25-police officers, 20-firefighters, and other perks." said Hoye.

Not everyone in Taunton looks at the deal and sees perks.

Frank Lagace lives just minutes away from the proposed site, on Stevens Street, and he and his neighbors worry about the impact traffic will have on their tiny residential street, which is also home to an elementary school.

"You're gonna have traffic 24-7 out here." said Lagace.

Even though the state and the Indian tribe have a tentative deal, the Massachusetts legislature still must approve it by July 31st.

Then it has to go through a process at the federal level, that could take years.

Needing approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

It's approval that Frank Lagace hopes, will never come.

"That site is the wrong site, it's just ridiculous to put it there."