March 14, 2018

Local Lawmakers Commemorate Demolition of East Windsor Showcase Cinemas

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(L to R) Sen. Formica, Reps. Davis, Hall, Vail and France

EAST WINDSOR — State Representatives Carol Hall (R-59) and Mike France (R-42) showed their support last week as demolition of the old Showcase Cinemas in East Windsor began. This demolition ceremony was the first step to allow for a third casino to be developed in our state by MMCT Venture LLC, the joint company of the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes.

“I was excited to attend the demolition; it is great to see progress being made. It is important to remember that this project comes with significant funding for the host town of East Windsor and I think just as important I actively crafted the part of the passing legislation for the abutting towns. The surrounding towns that directly border East Windsor will receive $750,000 a year annually once the casino is up and running and has paid their obligation to the state. This is a way to mitigate quality of life issues that may impact surrounding towns.” said Rep. Hall. “Once completed this facility will generate much needed jobs for the region and property tax dollars for East Windsor.”

“What an exciting day for East Windsor,” said Rep. France. “My district in Southeastern Connecticut is privileged to host both Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun’s gaming facilities. The partnership that our towns of Ledyard and Montville have with the two tribes is strong and I know that the Town of East Windsor will find the same strength and partnership should a third casino be built in this very spot. When the House of Representatives passed the original bill to allow for this in 2015, I said on the House Floor that this venture is all about jobs and maintaining revenue within the state – therefore not allowing it to migrate across the border to Massachusetts. I am reaffirming this notion today: The number of jobs that will be created here will be a significant economic driver that will have long-lasting benefits for this town and for our state.”

Demolition is expected to continue for the next six weeks before breaking ground for the start of new construction. The $300 million casino is anticipated to open within two years. Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman Rodney Butler and Mohegan Tribe Chairman Kevin Brown said that the casino would offer nearly 4,500 jobs to Connecticut residents while nearly 2,500 Connecticut Building Trades workers would participate in the construction.