HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)– The Speaker of the Connecticut House says he is increasing the odds that an expansion of casino gambling will pass this year. The prediction comes in the aftermath of greater red ink, and as a third Native American Tribe says they can increase the stakes for the state.
The third tribe is the state recognized Schaghticokes. You will recall they got federal recognition 13 years ago, only to have the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs reverse their ruling in the aftermath of massive public and political pressure here in Connecticut. But the Schaghticokes say they still have friends in the gambling industry that will bankroll them.
Lead by tribal chairman Richard Velky, members of the Kent based Scahghticoke Tribe invaded the Capitol complex today, urging that they be allowed to compete for a third gambling casino that they would like to establish southwest of New Haven to take advantage of what all parties agree is the potentially lucrative metropolitan New York City area.
“Anywhere in Fairfield County, preferably for me, probably be Bridgeport. We have always show an interest in Bridgeport. Bridgeport has always shown an interest in the Schaghticoke,” said Velky.
Their push comes as the plan for the Mashantucket Pequots and the Mohegans to open a third casino in East Windsor is gathering momentum. A key legislative committee has now endorsed that plan, and it has near-unanimous support among lawmakers from both political parties in Southeastern Connecticut.
“We’re all on the same side of jobs and what you think about casino gambling aside, they’ve proven to be great community partners, great providers and great economic activists for our state,” said Sen. Paul Formica (R-Niantic). Sen. Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) added, “It saves jobs in our area. We have 12,000 jobs that are in Eastern Connecticut, actually 140 towns send workers down to the casinos.”
There’s also the matter of the approximately $250 million the state will get this year from the 25 percent cut in slot revenue. The East Windsor plan would also include a 25 percent cut from the table games. But the Schaghticokes note that the competing bill calls for a 35 percent cut of all gambling revenue, which they say with a Bridgeport gambling facility, would more than make up for the lost revenue from the two existing casinos.
Speaker of the House Rep. Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin) said today: “We’re getting close to around 65 to 35 that there’s going to be expanding gambling within the state of Connecticut bill as part of a budget or stand alone bill this year.” CLICK TITLE TO CONTINUE
Groton RTM decides not to fund Old Stonington Road Bridge
Groton — The Representative Town Meeting has voted not to fund Groton's portion of replacing the Old Stonington Road Bridge, and one frustrated fire chief says the bridge is a safety issue.
The RTM voted 14-13 on Monday, with three members abstaining, to spend zero on the bridge which straddles Groton and Stonington. The total cost of replacing the bridge is $1.2 million. Stonington and Groton would each have to contribute $309,000 toward the cost and a state grant would provide $597,000.
“I’m frustrated,” Old Mystic Fire Chief Kenneth Richards Jr. said Tuesday. “That’s an understatement that we’re frustrated at the fire department level and the fire district level. We feel that we have a strong case from a public safety standpoint.”
“We understand that we have budget problems,” he said. “But to risk losing $600,000 from the state to save $300,000, I just don’t understand it.”
The RTM has until midnight on May 25 to reconsider funding. Richards said he was encouraged by the fact that the vote was close.
The bridge was inspected in 2010 after a storm and later closed, forcing firetrucks to drive to the Old Mystic General Store at 47 Main St. and turn right at the three-way stop to reach Groton. The Old Mystic Fire Department covers a 26-square-mile area in Stonington and Groton, including Flanders Road, Lambtown Road and the Field Crest section of Mystic.
Cars park legally along Main Street in front of the general store, making the turn difficult, and motorists often run the stop sign, Richards said.
Bruce McDermott, chairman of the RTM Public Safety Committee, said firetrucks must move into the lane of oncoming traffic to get around the corner at the store. While there hasn't been an accident there, he said, the concern is that it's just a matter of time.
But RTM member Brandon Marley said the bridge has been closed for years and there hasn't been an issue yet that he's aware of.
The Town Council also voted to spend zero on the bridge, but created a short list of projects it would pay for if Groton received greater state revenue than expected. The bridge is on that short list, Town Manager Mark Oefinger said.
The RTM would need a two-thirds vote to restore the bridge funding.
Heritage River Village project has Griswold Planning and Zoning approval
GRISWOLD – The Planning and Zoning Commission gave its stamp of approval Monday on the $80 million Heritage River Village Development proposed for 60 acres on Route 164.
A couple dozen residents turned out for a public forum Monday night and listened to a presentation by Jeff Lefkovich, one of the principals of Heritage Village, and other members of his team. The presentation detailed technical aspects to the project along with illustrated projections of how the development will look.
“This is an innovative and remarkable concept, perfectly suited for this location... It addresses the issues we will all be facing as we age,” Lefkovich said. “We wanted to create an environment that suits the needs of people as they age and the various ways that they age.”
Town Planner Mario Tristany said the plans presented were some of the best he’s seen.
“The plan has met or exceeded all of our zoning requirements ... it is one of the best presentations I’ve seen and I’ve been in the business since 1974,” Tristany said.
While the project was accepted and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission, there were some minor issues raised.
Resident David Vieaux said he was in favor of the project but was concerned about not having a traffic light coming in and out of the development on Route 164.
“I worry for my life turning out onto that road. I think it is worth it to spend the money for a street light even if that means saving a life,” Vieaux said. Tristany said the decision for a traffic light would be under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Transportation.