Developer Unveils Plans For Millbury Slots Parlor

A developer proposing a $200 million slots parlor in Millbury has unveiled preliminary plans, but one town official has raised questions, including one about increased traffic a gambling facility would bring to an already congested area.

Mass Gaming & Entertainment, a subsidiary of Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, on Monday presented plans to the town's planning board for a 110,000- to 115,000-square-foot complex with the state-maximum 1,250 slot machines. It also would have at least one full-service restaurant and other food venues, a live music area and day spa.

The slots parlor would be just north of The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley, an open-air shopping center that opened in 2004, and near the intersection of the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 146.

The developer also presented a traffic mitigation plan, according to The Telegram & Gazette.

"You haven't convinced me traffic is going to be flowing through there. We're still driving everybody into one massive intersection," said Planning Board Chairman Richard Gosselin.

Gosselin said he was also surprised a conference center isn't in the plans.

David Patent, president of Rush Street Gaming, said the company incorporates a multi-use room in its Des Plaines, Ill., Rivers Casino and could factor that into its Millbury design.

Residents were allowed to attend the meeting, but not comment.

"I'd like to spend my money in Millbury instead of going to Rhode Island or Connecticut," said supporter Ginny Picking.

Under state gambling law, just one slots parlor can be built in the state. Rival proposals have been made in Raynham, Plainville, Tewksbury and Leominster.

Developers must reach a host agreement with the community, get the approval of voters and the state gambling commission before building.

The slots license will be awarded this winter.