Now that New Bedford voters have given their approval to a Host Community Agreement for a proposed waterfront casino, the next phase will involve reaching similar agreements with surrounding communities like Fairhaven.

Geoffrey Haworth, Chair of Fairhaven's Board of Selectmen, told WBSM's Brian Thomas he wants an agreement that will give the town the resources it needs to deal with whatever problems may arise once the casino starts operating.

"As you know from other areas where there are casinos increased problems will come," says Haworth "we're not looking for the casino to solve our current problems, we're looking for the casino to give restitution for problems that will be created because the casino comes to the area."

Dartmouth and Acushnet will also be negotiating with KG Urban and Haworth says he wants the three towns to partner together believing they'll have more leverage than if they negotiate individually.

"We're all surrounding communities, we're all going to have surrounding impact, and, as anybody knows, negotiating in numbers is always better than trying to be the lone wolf," said Haworth.

Haworth says they have not yet been approached by representatives from KG Urban Enterprises, but says they want to begin work so they have a plan ready to present when negotiations begin.

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