The Planning Board in Salem, New Hampshire, has given conditional approval to the site plan for a $160 million Live! Casino to be developed in the former Lord & Taylor space at the Mall at Rockingham Park. This ambitious project, proposed by developers Sal Lupoli of Lupoli Companies and Joe Faro of Tuscan Village, in partnership with Baltimore-based Cordish Companies, is set to bring a multifaceted entertainment venue to the community.

The proposal was met with a mixed response during the Planning Board meeting. While many board members and public commentators supported the project, citing its potential economic and social benefits, concerns were raised by attorney Amy Manzelli, representing abutters Jamie and Chris Cummings. Manzelli argued that the application lacked sufficient detail on how the development would impact the surrounding neighborhood, particularly regarding public safety, traffic, and lighting.

Manzelli also noted a former deed restriction prohibiting gaming on the property. However, attorney John Sokul, representing the applicant, clarified that the restriction had expired and no longer applied. Despite her objections and a plea for more time to conduct an independent analysis, the board voted 5-2 in favor of the proposal, according to The Eagle-Tribune.

Addressing Public Safety and Traffic Concerns

Salem Police Chief Joel Dolan assured the board that the casino would not overburden public safety resources. He emphasized that costs for additional security personnel would be covered by the property’s management, avoiding any tax impact. Similarly, Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine and the developers maintained confidence in the traffic study, which concluded the project would have minimal impact on surrounding roadways.

Mark Gross of Tuscan Village addressed concerns about lighting, stating that abutters had not raised any issues with previous developments in the area, which began in 1991.

Features of the Live! Casino and Project Phases

The proposed three-story Live! Casino Salem will include over 900 historic racing machines, 40 gaming tables (including poker), restaurants, a movie theater, event spaces, a sports lounge, golf simulators, and retail outlets across two floors. The third floor will be dedicated to office spaces, employee facilities, and an outdoor patio. Developers also suggested the possibility of future expansions, such as a hotel, depending on the project’s success and town approval.

Construction is expected to begin early next year, starting with the demolition of the building’s interior. The venue’s first phase is slated to open in 2025.

Economic and Community Benefits

Supporters of the project highlighted its substantial economic contributions, including the creation of hundreds of jobs, $31 million in annual tax revenue, and $128 million in regional economic stimulus. Over a decade, the casino is projected to contribute $121.1 million to local charities.

Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney expressed optimism about the development, calling it a positive step for the community. “This is an exciting time and something the town has wanted for a bit,” Sweeney said. “This is a positive development I am supportive of.”

Remaining Concerns and Dissenting Votes

Despite the general enthusiasm, board members Bianca Carlson and Sean Lewis voted against the motion, advocating for more time to address the concerns raised by the Cummings’ attorney. Carlson noted, “I don’t want to completely disregard the Cummings’ attorney and her comments in her letter relating to the Planning Board handbook.”

However, board member Paul Pelletier voiced strong support for the proposal, emphasizing its potential to bring significant economic and social benefits to Salem. “This is a very wonderful enterprise that wants to do business in Salem. I will be in favor of this,” Pelletier said.