Casino Developer Gains Major Ally

Penn National Gaming -- the company proposing to build the controversial Merrimack Valley Casino on the Andover line in Tewksbury -- has announced a partnership with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, according to Tewksbury Patch.

The agreement, aimed at more extensive marketing for the casino and the Merrimack Valley, would only take effect if Penn National is awarded the slots parlor license.

Recently, the Tewksbury Board of Selectmen approved a deal with the Commission to allow a 1,250-slot facility near where that town meets Route 133 and River Road in Andover.

Voters in Tewksbury will vote Tuesday at Town Meeting on whether to allow a zoning change that would make the casino possible.

The issue has area residents divided, with proponents saying a casino would bring business to the area as well as jobs and opponents saying a casino would bleed residents of their money while also increasing traffic and crime.

Former State Sen. Susan Tucker, who attended an Andover public forum held by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last week, urged Andover residents to help campaign in Tewksbury against the deal before their Town Meeting. State Sen. Barry Finegold has also spoken out against the proposal.