Judge sends Springfield-MGM dispute over host community agreement to arbitration

A Hampden Superior Court judge has made a ruling in the case between the City of Springfield and MGM when it comes to the details of the host community agreement. Here is a breakdown of the latest information. The City of Springfield taking MGM to court back in September over what they say are breaches in the host community agreement signed back in 2013. Three points were brought up by the city in the court documents that argue why they should receive damages from MGM. They include the lack of rehabilitation and incorporation of 101 State Street, MGM recently beginning the construction. The second, not meeting the agreed-upon number of gambling machines and tables on the casino floor, MGM saying in a statement that they have met the commitments. And finally, not employing the agreed-upon number of workers, both part-time and full-time, MGM once again saying they are abiding by the agreement. According to the documents, the host community agreement has an arbitration agreement for some, but not all, potential disputes, which is where the court comes in. The city of Springfield was arguing that the breaches they outlined did not fall under the responsibility of an arbitrator to review, saying a court should be making the call. But in court, a judge denying the motion and sending the dispute to an arbitrator to review and decide. In a statement sent to 22 News, MGM Springfield President and COO Louis Theros saying they, quote, have consistently attempted to engage with the city and have provided assurances that the people of Springfield would be protected if we sell MGM Springfield and, in fact, will receive additional benefits. Further saying he hopes the judge's decision will lead to a good faith discussion with the mayor and resolve all differences. Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno releasing his own statement, saying he has, quote, instructed city solicitor Steve Bonacanti to continue to pursue every legal option available to us to ensure MGM complies with our host community agreement.