With the casino in New Bedford approved, surrounding communities are starting to wonder how they'll be effected.

That's why on Monday, the Fairhaven Board of Selectmen voted to conduct an "impact report" by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The study will determine how a neighboring casino could affect things like traffic and business in the town. Other concerns the Board voiced include increased crime, and of course, gambling problems.

Board member, Charlie Murphy told WBSM News the town has a lot to gain from the report.

"When the casino does come, it'll have an impact on Fairhaven, and I think Fairhaven needs to be a part of that. I mean, they're offering a lot of incentives for New Bedford, and I think that we should share in some of those incentives for Fairhaven," Murphy said.

SRPEDD is expected to advise Fairhaven and other local communities on the impact report and other issues with the Gaming Commission. Acushnet and Dartmouth have also looked into the study.

Fairhaven will now need to be designated a "surrounding community" by the Gaming Commission. From there, the town will have 30 days to negotiate any benefits and other details for the report.

 

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