MGM Resorts International has taken steps to plant new trees in front of the Bellagio, according to a local news report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The new fir trees were brought in to replace the ones removed during the recent Formula 1 Grand Prix race.
Las Vegas residents recently expressed environmental concerns due to MGM Resorts International cutting down trees near the Bellagio so that race fans could have optimal views during F1.
MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle addressed the issue at this year’s recent G2E to affirm that MGM intended to replace the trees it removed for ideal race sightlines.
He said during his keynote address, “We have additional trees that will go in pots that we are going to bring back. I promise. I’ve gotten so beat up on this on social media.”
The company released a statement shortly following the Grand Prix race, stating that it intended to restore the landscape in front of the Bellagio and have it “back to normal before Christmas.”
MGM’s Krystal Webb said in a recent email to the Review-Journal that both the species of streetside trees and the time that they will be planted are “still being determined.” She also noted that “trees along the lakeside should be back by the end of the year.”
In related news, MGM, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Resorts reached agreements with the Culinary Union for a new five-year contract. Union workers approved the new deal by a vote of 99%.
Employees will receive a 10% boost in wages during the first year under the terms of the new agreement. Wage increases will top out at a 32% raise throughout the life of the contract, the local report said. The initial wage increase will be retroactive, going back to June 1.
