The latest plans for the MGM Springfield casino, a venue with a $950 million price tag, are still set to be reviewed, with additional hearings schedule for later on this February. Four hearings have already taking place in regards to the site plan by the Springfield City Council and two more hearings are scheduled to take place this month to continue to discuss these plans.
Mike Fenton, the President of the City Council, stated that officials of MGM assured him that while reviewing the plans, construction will continue as planned with the casino. The venue is currently set to open in 2018. The hearing schedule allows for MGM to be able maintain the schedule of construction.
In January, MGM began work on the casino site, demolishing buildings. Zoning changes were approved by MGM with street closures becoming permanent to allow the preparation work to continue as planned.
With the additional hearings planned, traffic concerns and other issues will be discussed. This includes the proposal by MGM to eliminate the hotel from the project, a previously proposed 25 story building.