Projo Biz Blog

A majority of New Bedford residents support a resort casino in their city, according to a new poll released this morning by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis

The poll of 474 New Bedford residents showed 53% support hosting a casino, 20% oppose, and 27% are undecided. The poll, conducted July 9 to 11 by Northeast Resorts Group, has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.6 percent.

Northeast Resorts Group, based in East Longmeadow, controls a 35-acre site including waterfront land in the Hicks-Logan section of New Bedford, and has announced plans to develop the site as a potential destination casino.

Northeast Resorts, along with local partner Peter Picknelly of Peter Pan Bus Lines, also has an exclusive development agreement with the Mohegan Sun to develop Northeast's 152-acre site adjacent to Exit 8 of the Massachusetts Turnpike in Palmer, Mass. as a casino.

Clyde W. Barrow, director of the Center for Policy Analysis, said New Bedford residents have consistently said in two polls done in conjunction with the center that they are in favor of a casino in New Bedford.

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