Planning board members in New Hampshire have delayed forward motion for an application to build a Concord casino on the city’s east side, according to a local report in the Valley News. The proposed casino would be comprised of 43,000 square feet of gaming space.
The project raised concerns during the last month from some city leaders, according to the local report. Concord Police Chief Bradley Osgood and Fire Chief John Chisholm pointed out that the casino’s development could potentially “bring crime to the city and that increased traffic may restrict emergency access to the complex.”
During a recent meeting, board members requested that developers submit an emergency services impact assessment before the next scheduled board meeting.
The board’s Chair, Richard Woodin, said a draft has not been received from developers at this time and delayed the hearing until May “so city staff can review the report and address any issues presented.”
He further commented: “We already sent people home from public testimony. It’s not going to get approved tonight, and we will have to have it again next month.”
However, TFMoran developer Nick Golan told the Valley News he planned to present the information during the meeting.
He commented: “As part of our presentation this evening, we were hoping to verify the fact that the required study had been provided and a third-party review had been provided, and we had the intent to speak to those elements.
“We are taken aback that this was the choice tonight from the standpoint of working very hard to resolve those items. To not have the opportunity to be heard this evening is very frustrating.”
