This week "The Short List" took a hike. Or, rather, a short walk, from our studios in downtown Springfield to a spot across the street from the MGM casino.
We gave our guests, who also joined us on opening day last year, a chance to reflect on what MGM has meant to Springfield.
"For me, the fundamental question is: Is the city better with it or before it had it? And I don't think there's any question in mind, it's a better city with it," said panelist Ron Chimelis.
That's despite revenue figures from MGM Springfield—including new ones released Thursday—that continue to fall well short of projections the company used to secure the casino license. Panelist Mike Dobbs said he's not concerned.
"I really don't think that the numbers that they gave us were completely realistic numbers, especially as you look at the marketplace here in the Northeast for expanded gaming," Dobbs said.
There has been plenty of debate about MGM's impact on other businesses in downtown Springfield. The casino said this week it believes it's "well on [it's] way" to being a "catalyst for the revitalization" of Springfield. But someshop and restaurant owners told NEPRthey haven't seen much of a spike since the casino opened.
Another measure of MGM's first year: jobs. The company had said it would try to have 3,000 employees in Springfield. But, as of its last report to the state gaming commission, that number had fallen to 2,300. Updated numbers are expected next month.
Guests:
- Ron Chimelis, columnist,Springfield Republican
- Mike Dobbs, managing editor, The Reminder