Town Manager Blythe Robinson Discusses Milford Casino and Parking Agreement

Good Afternoon Upton Daily readers. You may have read the earlier post, “Parking Agreement Between Upton and United Parish in Question,” which ended; no one was available for comment because many offices in the Town Hall are closed on Friday.  Town Manager Blythe Robinson made herself available today to discuss several topics. Thank you Blythe.

In conversation, Blythe confirmed the parking agreement between Upton and the United Parish is in question as earlier reported. Blythe added, “If we can’t come to terms (with United Parish) the Selectmen will put out a request for other proposals and see if there are any other land owners.” The Selectmen are disappointed with United Parish’s change of heart.

Earlier in the week Blythe and Selectman Brochu attended a presentation on the proposed Milford Casino by Foxwoods. The question for Upton is will the town be named a “surrounding community” which is determined by the casino’s developer. Blythe said “We’re not sure we will be considered a surrounding community, we are concerned with traffic and safety. Many employees and visitors will commute through Upton on either Hopkinton Road or Route 140.”  Blythe felt the presenter underestimated traffic, one example Blythe used was the casino had estimated smaller streets in Milford would suffer little impact from increased traffic, with an estimated increase of about 16 cars.

The Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Agency will meet with communities and the State’s Gaming Commission. Blythe recommends using the Commission’s services, they can help Upton position itself for “surrounding community” status. Upton doesn’t have the manpower to determine how the potential casino will impact the town on it’s own. If the developer does not distinguish Upton as “surrounding community” the town can go before the Gaming Board to pursue the issue.

If Upton is determined to be a “surrounding community” then the question is will the town receive the support they need?