New Casino to Block Vietnam Trails?

[VTSession]

Milford casino could block mountain bikers - Worcester Telegram & Gazette - telegram.com

Just stumbled across this article on the old inter webs. It looks like the casino gets built its going to block a decent amount of trails on land that NEMBA does not own. Really sucks overall, I'm a frequent 'Nam rider and will be quite pissed if this goes through.

Do any Milford residents have any better info?

[icecreamjay]

It will impact a large part of the network. Basically the entire southeast chunk that's by the powerlines and abutting Rt 16.

The Casino is not yet set in stone, but apparently only Milford residents have any say. BV Nemba has some info on it in the most recent singletracks magazine. There is also a "stop the casino" sign out in the woods at the entrance to DLS. Preaching to the choir but it can't hurt.

Obviously wouldn't impact the NEMBA built stuff, but there are plenty of good trails and features that would get the axe. NEMBA turned down $2 million from Trump, I don't see them selling at any price.

Here's a map that shows what would be affected
http://www.bvnemba.org/NEMBA_Vietnam_Casino.pdf

And more info here Blackstone Valley NEMBA Home Page

[berkshire_rider]

If they were ever to build this thing, a bunch of really fun features in 'Nam would be gone forever. The trail coming in from Dunster Street that took you to whale rock is already gone due to quarrying.

Little Moab, the Kitchen, 495 trail, and the Firewall would all be gone.

[VTSession]

Yeah it sucks. And unless you're a Milford resident who can vote, there's isn't much you can do about it. Its a shame that a big, stupid casino is being built over some of the best mountain biking in the region. I guess people gambling their lives away is more important.

[millargeo]

All is not lost.

Report raises questions on Foxwoods bid in Mass. - News Local Massachusetts - Boston.com

[goingblankagain]

All is not lost.

Report raises questions on Foxwoods bid in Mass. - News Local Massachusetts - Boston.com

She said the ‘‘glaring issue’’ involved the failure of the group to secure a 55 percent equity ownership interest in the project.

[leeboh]

Lots of hoops to still go through.

[millargeo]

Sounds like the vote is going anti-casino. Early results all good.

[djb2]

Results are in.... the casino has been voted down. Ride on!

[Scarsandtears]

Superb news!!

[C.P.]

Repeal The Casino Deal

[Nail Every Trail]

Heard the anti casino vote last night, great news! Ride on as usual.

[gnar602]

Heard the anti casino vote last night, great news! Ride on as usual.

The people have spoken!

[berkshire_rider]

Keep in mind the real issue hasn't gone away, and will continue to exist. This is a prime piece of undeveloped property in Milford with easy access to 495.

The casino is just the latest thing they wanted to put there. Not to long ago a developer attempted to put in 40b housing.

Unless the property somehow becomes conservation land (very doubtful given the $$$ value) there will be more attempts to develop this piece of land in the future.

[Nail Every Trail]

Agreed that this particular parcel will seek interest in the future from other types of business ventures. It's a shame that there is a not a way to protect this space from development. Some parts of the overall trail network ( not just the Nemba parcel) seem to be protected/designated open space land though, maybe there is long term hope they can figure it all out.

[Locoman]

Keep in mind the real issue hasn't gone away, and will continue to exist. This is a prime piece of undeveloped property in Milford with easy access to 495.

The casino is just the latest thing they wanted to put there. Not to long ago a developer attempted to put in 40b housing.

Unless the property somehow becomes conservation land (very doubtful given the $$$ value) there will be more attempts to develop this piece of land in the future.

True, but this is a huge victory for Nam. There isn't much in the way of development that has the impact of a casino.

This issue has been on my mind forever...



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