Massachusetts casino regulators took a key vote Thursday to allow MGM to begin construction work on the proposed Springfield casino.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission unanimously endorsed MGM’s plans to mitigate environmental impacts of the casino project. The vote clears the way, pending Springfield City Council approval, for MGM to demolish buildings on the 14.5 acre site where the casino is to be built.
Ombudsman John Ziemba said the commission is withholding its approval of controversial project design changes pending further reviews by state and city officials.
"It is expected the review will continue into January," Ziemba said at Thursday's commission meeting in Boston.
MGM recently proposed to downsize the project and eliminate a 25-story hotel tower. But, at the same time announced the budget for the project had grown by $150 million to $950 million.
