News: Front Section

City of Springfield and MGM win award for economic development

Springfield, MA MGM Springfield and the city of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED) have received a 2019 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for the MGM Springfield project. The award was presented by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) at its 2019 annual conference in October in Indianapolis.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious award from IEDC, the preeminent economic development professional organization,” said mayor Domenic Sarno. “It really highlights what we were trying to do in partnership with MGM Springfield from the start – create jobs, catalyze private investment, and improve quality of life.”

The Gold Excellence in Public-Private Partnership award was presented to Brian Connors, the city’s deputy director of economic development.

, and was singled out as the only award category highlighted during the conference keynote event. The award recognizes outstanding and innovative development projects that have significantly enhanced revitalizations.

“When gaming legislation was approved in 2011 it was done so on the basis of economic development, economic growth, and job creation,” said Michael Mathis, MGM Springfield President. “To now be highlighted by world’s largest organization in economic development is a tribute to all of the hard work done at MGM Resorts and our partners in the city and the Commonwealth. “

OPED’s team was led through the MGM Springfield project by now retired chief development officer Kevin Kennedy, and also included Phillip Dromey, deputy director of planning and Scott Hanson, principal planner. 

The MGM Springfield project represented a $960 million private investment which resulted in several new to market amenities including a downtown movie theater, bowling alley, ice skating rink, four-star hotel, and several new retail and restaurant offerings.

In addition, MGM’s commitment to populate existing offsite entertainment facilities became another highlight to economic spinoff, as did the commitment to $50 million each year in spending with local vendors. The project has created several thousand construction and permanent jobs and greatly enhanced local revenues which helped fund additional public safety, early education, and park improvements. 

MORE FROM Front Section

Newmark negotiates sale of 10 Liberty Sq. and 12 Post Office Sq.

Boston, MA Newmark has completed the sale of 10 Liberty Sq. and 12 Post Office Sq. Newmark co-head of U.S. Capital Markets Robert Griffin and Boston Capital Markets executive vice chairman Edward Maher, vice chairman Matthew Pullen, executive managing director James Tribble,
READ ON THE GO
DIGITAL EDITIONS
Subscribe
Columns and Thought Leadership
Make PR pop by highlighting unique angles - by Stanley Hurwitz

Make PR pop by highlighting unique angles - by Stanley Hurwitz

Coming out of the pandemic, a client with three hotels in Provincetown, Mass., needed ways to let the world know his properties were open for business for the 2021 tourist season.
Five ways to ruin a  Section 1031  Like-Kind Exchange - by Bill Lopriore

Five ways to ruin a Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchange - by Bill Lopriore

While there is some flexibility when structuring a like-kind exchange, some important requirements must be met. A mistake can ruin your exchange. Here are five mistakes to avoid:
How COVID-19 has impacted office leasing - by Noble Allen and John Sokul

How COVID-19 has impacted office leasing - by Noble Allen and John Sokul

To say that the effects of COVID-19 has transformed office leasing is an understatement. When COVID-19 was at its peak, office spaces were practically abandoned either through governmental mandates or through actions taken by businesses themselves.

Four tips for a smooth 1031 Exchange - by Bill Lopriore

Four tips for a smooth 1031 Exchange - by Bill Lopriore

Many real estate investors do not understand the specific requirements that must be met to secure the benefits of a tax-deferred 1031 exchange. For example, the replacement property must be identified within 45 days of the closing date of the relinquished property.