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The Concord Planning Board approved a proposal for the construction of a New Hampshire casino in Concord by a company called Big Step. The firm plans to build a charitable gaming hall, hotel, restaurant, and parking.
The proposal should come before the board again in February.
The upcoming project should help attract visitors to the area as well as raise money for the community. In New Hampshire, 35% of casino gaming revenue goes to charities.
As reported by WMUR, the managing member of the Concord casino and former New Hampshire Senator Andy Sanborn said in a statement:
“We’re just trying to build, actually, a pretty comprehensive opportunity for people to come to Concord to stay, to go to dinner, to some charitable gaming which again, raises money for charity.”
Concord, New Hampshire casino project has three phases
The 45,000-square-foot casino and hotel project location will be on the city’s east side in Gateway Performance. More precisely, it is near the intersection of London and Sheep Davis Roads. And close to the Interstate 393 of Break O’ Day Drive Street.
Concord casino and hotel construction will be in two parts and three phases. The first phase starts with a gaming hall which will include:
- 24,000-square-feet long space
- 634 seats
- A 8,500-square-foot restaurant
- Brew-pub that could accommodate nearly 150 customers
Phase two will include the construction of the hotel. After that, once the gaming hall is completed, the conference center will come in the third phase. The event center can host events like:
- Weddings
- Political gatherings
- Educational meetings
- Business gatherings
The Concord casino project will also create 250 new permanent jobs in the locality while increasing economic activity.
Concord residents are strictly against the construction
The Concord casino and hotel project promises to bring many benefits to the town. However, many residents are against the building.
Some of them worry gaming brings big problems. Other locals fear such facilities usually come with enormous consequences. Some are worried about the environmental effect this large facility could have on an area, primarily wetlands.
For the time being, organizers said this debate will have to continue as the final approval is yet to come. If the proposal gets fully approved, organizers estimate the first phase of the casino project could open in 18 months.
