Developers expressed frustration Wednesday night when planning board members delayed moving forward on an application for a proposed 43,000-square-foot casino, bar and hotel on the city’s East Side. 

Last month, Concord Fire Chief John Chisholm and Police Chief Bradley Osgood raised concerns that the development could bring crime to the city and that increased traffic may restrict emergency access to the complex. At that meeting, board members asked the developers to complete and submit their own emergency services impact assessment ahead of Wednesday’s meeting. Board chair Richard Woodfin said the board had not received a draft or report from the applicant prior to the meeting. 

Nick Golan of developer TFMoran said he planned to present the information at the meeting.

“As part of our presentation this evening, we were hoping to verify the fact that the required study had been provided and a third-party review had been provided and we had the intent to speak to those elements,” he said. “We are taken aback that this was the choice tonight from the standpoint of working very hard to resolve those items. To not have the opportunity to be heard this evening is very frustrating.”

Woodfin delayed the hearing until next month so city staff can review the report and address any issues presented. “We already sent people home from public testimony. It’s not going to get approved tonight and we will have to have it again next month.”

Over the last several months of public hearings, which began in January, many residents have expressed opposition to the project, citing concerns about increased crime and traffic. Others, meanwhile, have publicly supported the casino for its charitable contributions to non-profits in the area. 

As part of charitable gaming operations, the state of New Hampshire requires 35% of gross revenue be donated to charities every 10 days. Since the launch of applicant Andy Sanborn’s first casino in 2019, he has donated to more than 36 local charities and said he plans to expand to 72. Charities include educational funding, animal welfare, addiction services, homelessness, veteran supports, food pantries, elderly housing, children’s programs, sports teams, retirement homes and more. 

If approved, the first phase of the project, which was determined complete and had their Comprehensive Development Plan approved in January, would be a 24,000-square-foot gaming room with 634 seats and an 8,500-square-foot restaurant and brew pub that can hold up to 150 diners. The new building would be located near the intersection of Loudon and Sheep Davis roads and close to Interstate 393. Future plans call for a hotel and event center. 

]]>