LUDLOW — As one of the municipalities immediately surrounding Springfield, Ludlow is one of 11 communities that is eligible for grant funding to offset the impact of the nearby MGM Springfield casino. For fiscal year 2025, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission awarded the town $244,900 for improvements and mitigation.
The commission was created in 2015, four years after the state legalized casinos. Since then, $56.7 million in grants have been distributed from the commission’s Community Mitigation Fund. The grants have been used for projects focused on education, transportation, infrastructure, housing, environmental issues, public safety and emergency services as they relate to the casino’s presence.
This year, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission released grants $18 million in grants to 31 cities, towns and regional entities to offset potential impacts of casinos in the state. The amount awarded to each municipality is based on a distribution formula that considers proximity to the casino, traffic and community agreement status.
“The Community Mitigation Fund is an important and impactful program aimed at maximizing the benefits of legalized gambling while mitigating any unintended impacts associated with the operation of the Commonwealth’s casinos,” MGC interim Chair Jordan Maynard said in a press release.
Town Administrator Marc Strange explained that the Gaming Commission changed the format for the grants in 2023. With the previous, more competitive model, smaller “outer communities” were having a harder time demonstrating need compared to Springfield. “I think [the commission] realized that,” Strange said. The grant format is now similar to Community Development Block Grants.
This year’s grant allocation for Ludlow will be directed toward three projects. The first is a marketing plan for the town. As explained in Ludlow’s grant application, the plan is designed to promote Ludlow and its “quality dining, outdoor recreation spaces, craft breweries and zoo among other attractions.” Strange reasoned that, with the casino less than 15 miles away from town, it diverted economic dollars from local businesses.
Strange said Ludlow has contracted with John Guilfoil Public Relations to create a comprehensive marketing plan. It will include a new town logo, slogan and website. The firm will create four videos featuring the town’s attractions, such as Festa, Lupa Zoo and the businesses and breweries Ludlow has to offer. A social media campaign and semimonthly press releases are also planned.
Turning attention to public safety, equipment and tools for first responders were also on the list of funding needs. The Fire Department will use a portion of the grant to purchase emergency extrication tools, commonly referred to as the Jaws of Life. The battery-operated hydraulic cutter, spreader, combination tool, extrication ram and set of lifting air bags are needed in situations where a person is trapped in a vehicle or other small space.
To lessen the likelihood of an accident where the jaws of life would be required, the town is upgrading safety at crosswalks with message boards, speed boards, a message trailer, solar-lighted crosswalks and light detection and ranging equipment, known as LiDAR.
The Police Department applies for Community Mitigation Fund grants each year. Strange said it has been difficult to quantify the impact the casino has had on Ludlow without polling businesses and being able to specifically tie crimes or traffic to MGM Springfield.
