Live! Casino to Build $160M Entertainment Hub in Salem
### Key Takeaways
– **Live! Casino** has received approval for a new project in Salem, New Hampshire.
– A former department store will be transformed into a modern entertainment center at a cost of $160 million.
– Despite concerns from residents and legal discussions, the project was approved with a 5-2 vote.
– Construction is set to begin early next year and will include a variety of leisure and gambling options.
###
Approval for Live! Casino: A Significant Project for Salem
The planned **Live! Casino** in Salem, New Hampshire, has received the green light from the planning board. The site, a former Lord & Taylor department store in **The Mall at Rockingham Park**, will be part of a $160 million project aimed at boosting the region’s economy.
After more than three hours of intense discussions, the planning board voted 5-2 in favor of the proposal. However, critical voices, including that of attorney Amy Manzelli, raised concerns about the lack of information regarding potential impacts on the neighborhood, such as lighting, traffic, and public safety.
###
You should read that too:
Insights into the Planned Entertainment Center
The three-story building will feature a wide range of offerings:
– Over 900 historical racing machines and more than 40 gaming tables.
– A sports lounge and event spaces.
– Additional recreational options such as a cinema, golf simulators, and retail shops.
– Office spaces on the top floor, along with an outdoor area for employees.
The developers have also hinted at plans for a hotel expansion, pending further approvals.
###
Community Reactions: Mixed Opinions
The project has elicited mixed reactions from the community. While some residents emphasize the economic and social benefits, others express concerns about its impact on the neighborhood.
**Joe Sweeney**, chairman of the city council, expressed optimism:
*”This is an exciting time and something the city has wanted for a long time.”*
Police Chief Joel Dolan assured that additional security costs would be covered by the operators, not taxpayers.
###
Legal and Technical Challenges
A former deed restriction that prohibited gambling at this location sparked legal discussions. However, the project’s attorney, John Sokul, clarified that this restriction has since expired.
Lighting issues raised by residents were also addressed by **Mark Gross** (Tuscan Village), who emphasized that such concerns have not posed problems since the mall’s development began in 1991.
###
Construction Start and Outlook
Interior work is expected to begin early next year. The goal is to transform the building into a modern entertainment center that will attract visitors from the region and beyond. The developers view the project as a key step in strengthening Salem’s economy while taking the community’s interests into account.
###
Our Assessment
The **Live! Casino** project in Salem is an ambitious endeavor that brings both opportunities and challenges. The planned leisure and gambling offerings could boost the regional economy and attract new visitors. At the same time, it is crucial to address residents’ concerns and resolve outstanding questions.
With the planning board’s approval and construction scheduled to begin next year, Salem is poised for a potentially transformative development that could shape the city’s future in the long term.