Close, but No Cigar
Take a look at it. You may find yourself asking, "Are you kidding me?" or something similar. The Crossroads site is truly and technically in Milford, but only just. If it were a couple of hundred yards to the northeast, we could vote on it. Instead, all voting will take place in Milford, if it gets that far, and only in Milford.
Now, I know we're supposed to be concentrating on preparing reasoned arguments against the casino plan, or on the promise of mitigation, as decision time slowly approaches. This is fine.
But if you think such a project would be bad for our town, then I believe it's OK to say so out loud, even as you stay engaged in the more formal process. Voicing your opinion makes you a participant.
More and more, I'm wondering what people in Milford are really thinking about this.
Note: I made this map by layering the developer's widely-available site plan on top of other widely-available maps of the town and region. With these as a guide, I drew a new map from scratch. I'm not a cartographer, but I believe my map is fundamentally accurate. You can try it for yourself.
David Bastille
As a former Holliston resident and current southeastern CT. one, I have experienced the transformation of the area. An increase in immigrant population and related housing and education needs put a strain on local budgets, not to mention road maintainance and increased police responsibilites. Profits do not off-set these costs, as they are distributed state-wide. Casinos here are currently laying off workers, so it's not an unemployment fix, long term anyway. Think long and hard about this...
Susan | 2012-03-02 16:57:48
Data Gathering/Ammunition?: a) Within say a 2 mile radius centered on the casino, how many people are Holliston residents (people not houses), and how many Milford residents (i.e. excluding employees of commercial establishments in that zone)? b) How close are Holliston schools to the casino? c) If a conservative 5% of expected casino traffic per week were to wend its way through Holliston, and saunter past the schools, how many vehicles would that be? d) What if that were a less conservative number of say 15%? e) For such an increase, and for the type of 'clientele' in question, what do the police estimate might be the impact on required police activity ... based on information from their colleagues near other casinos?
HollRes | 2012-02-29 22:15:07
Hmmmm. They're expecting so much trouble that they need to provide a special access road for the police! ;-)
HollRes | 2012-02-29 21:45:16
They'll still be access from 16. Not everyone will choose to access from 495.
MK | 2012-02-29 20:03:49
That rear-access road is shown on the developer's plan, for which anyone can do an online image search. The developer has maintained that the road is for police and fire only.
David Bastille | 2012-02-29 19:57:53
If there is only access from the 495, then what is the road that is shown linking the Casino to Rt 16? Anyone know?
HollRes | 2012-02-29 18:16:29
Thanks, Dave, for posting this map. I for one am very opposed to a casino--of all things!--next door. My mother lives in Southeastern Connecticut, and she'll tell you that the casinos have created lots of traffic and aggressive driving, vice, addiction, and have not enhanced the area at all. She said, "Don't move back here. The casinos have ruined the area." I've been to the casinos in Reno, and they are sad, sad places. The only people who benefit, really, are the developers. It's not worth it.
Dianna Vosburg | 2012-02-29 15:28:17
Hmm - I could wish either that it was closer - and would pay taxes to Holliston - or it was farther away and would not make traffic here.
Jennifer A. Deland | 2012-02-29 15:03:37
Casinos, solar panels, yogurt shops. This is all getting so confusing.
LT | 2012-02-29 14:08:34
As a Holliston resident, I love the idea of a casino and will be thrilled that it brings jobs to the area. I think many people greatly exaggerate the issues that could potentially (but not necessarily) occur by having a casino near by....while forgetting the many benefits it could bring. I support the casino in Milford, where can I get a Casino-YES sign for my house?
Lara | 2012-02-29 10:06:58
Am I wrong to not be concerned about this Casino because with Foxboro and Boston being in the same zone, I feel Milford has little chance.
Dave | 2012-02-29 09:27:25
Good map. Bad idea. Thanks alot Cadilac De-Value your vison for the Commonwealth is mind blowing. How about next we leagalize prostitution and tax it...how about drugs and tax it...then the state can have more money to spend on entitlement programs. From no beer sold on Sundays to full scale casinos all in 20 years..he really is progressive.:(
Pete | 2012-02-29 09:24:41
Dave, Can you add to the map Beaver St and the on ramp to 495 from Rt 109. It's great that you could only get to the Casino from 495 -- but how will many people get to 495 -- down Rt 16 in Holliston.
Carol | 2012-02-29 08:49:52
Nice work. You've laid this out quite clearly, Dave!
Chuck Wyatt | 2012-02-29 08:43:48