New Bedford announces agreement with casino developer
By News Staff
New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell announced that the city is one step closer to pursuing a gaming license.
Mayor Mitchell said in a press conference Thursday that the city and casino developer KG Urban are officially pursuing the license during what he admits has been a tough and long-running discussion.
“It is an opportunity to do something good if we play our cards right. Pardon the double entendre,” said Mayor Mitchell.
The casino would be a means to other investments for central aspects to the city, like arts and technology. It would also add about 2,000 permanent jobs on-site. Strict requirements would be in place for local resident hiring on construction jobs and permanent jobs. Training programs would have to be conducted out of and by Bristol Community College.
Mayor Mitchell expects annual payments from the casino to be $12.5 million. KG Urban would pay the city $4.5 million upfront in three installments.
The agreement requires that KG Urban to add a conference center to its casino plans. It also specifies that there are to be no casino billboards, and there is a height restriction for on-site casino signs.
There will be a series of public hearings and a referendum in the wake of the announcement.
New Bedford is one of htree cities in the running for a casino license through the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The commission voted Thursday night to allow application deadline extensions to New Bedford and Somerset.
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