Palmer Voters Reject Mohegan Sun Casino Plan

Voters in Palmer have rejected Mohegan Sun's plan for a $1 billion resort casino and entertainment complex.

The town clerk says the proposal lost by 93 of the 5200 total votes cast.

That deals a crushing blow to the Connecticut casino operator's hopes of applying to the state's gambling commission for the sole western Massachusetts casino license allowed under the state's 2011 gambling law.

A host community agreement reached between Mohegan Sun and Palmer officials in August called for more than $16 million in annual payments to the town.

Supporters of the proposed casino said it would be a catalyst for an economic revival in a town that has seen manufacturing jobs disappear in recent decades.

Opponents said it would lead to traffic congestion and destroy the rural character of the town.