Casino Proposal Developer Talks Andover Impact

Penn National Gaming is proposing a slots parlor on Ames Pond Drive in Tewksbury near Andover, and Tewksbury Patch Editor Christopher Gambon spoke in-depth with Penn National Gaming Public Affairs Director Jeff Morris about the plan, and Andover was a topic of discussion.

The slot parlor -- which may have 1,250 slot machines -- could impact Andover along Route 133 near Tewksbury as well as traffic near the I-93 exit and River Road.

Tewksbury selectmen and the Planning Board have approved a host agreement with Penn, and the agreement will now be decided by Special Town Meeting.

Here is what Morris said about concerns addressed by Andover residents:

"As part of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission process we work with surrounding communities on Surrounding Community Agreements to help mitigate any effects of project on their communities. 

With Andover right next door it's imperative to meet with them and start talking with them right away."

He added that he would be meeting with Andover officials Thursday and that the biggest concern for Andover would be traffic.

"I think probably number one would be traffic. We're excited to sit down with them. We want to be a good community partner with not only Tewksbury, but also Andover, Lowell, Wilmington and any other community that may be affected by this.  

We're working as fast as humanly possible on a traffic study, and with the study would come the mitigation that we will fund completely. This would include expanded lanes, added lanes, additional lights and other improvements. 

I have been staying in the area, and I see the traffic during rush hour. I can understand people's concerns about the traffic. The last thing we want for our customers is traffic jams and access problems. We're working diligently to identify those issues and pay for the improvements."

Read the full interview here.