A first but pivotal step has been taken in the planning and construction of the Live! Casino in Salem, New Hampshire, after Planning Board members approved its site plan.
Abutters’ Objections
Although the local planning board ultimately approved the site plan by a 5-2 margin after several hours of discussion, it wasn’t without objections by abutters Jamie and Chris Cummings, represented by attorney Amy Manzelli.
Several concerns were raised, including the casino being an impediment to public safety, increased traffic detrimental to neighboring properties, impact on cyclists and pedestrians, as well as lighting concerns of the abutters. Moreover, the specter of a former deed restriction pertaining to gaming facilities was cited as a dealbreaker, but attorney John Sokul of Hinckley Allen, representing the applicant, countered that argument by saying the deed had expired.
“This application is not approvable because it does not provide enough information about how it will impact the neighborhood around it,” Manzelli said. “It requires the consideration of public health and safety and the general welfare, comfort, and convenience of the residents of the immediate neighborhood.”
Police Chief Joel Dolan addressed Manzelli’s public safety concerns by saying, “As far as adding any staff to alleviate any concerns, that cost would be entirely on the property managers and owners and would not have a tax impact nor would it impact the salaries or the need for additional staff. This is not anything we aren’t accustomed to or not prepared to respond to.”
Town Officials Weigh In
Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney used the public comment period to share his thoughts and stated, “Ten years ago, the town voted in support to bring this type of facility to town. This is an exciting time and something the town has wanted for a bit. This is a positive development I am supportive of.”
Although five of the Board’s seven members approved the conditional site plan, there were some who felt more time was needed for the abutters to respond. Vice Chair Sean Lewis advocated for a continuance until December 10th to give the Cummings time to respond.
Board member Bianca Carlson said, “I don’t want to completely disregard the Cummings’ attorney and her comments in her letter relating to the Planning Board handbook.”
Fellow board member Damon Norcross agreed with Carlson and offered, “Very rarely have we seen an abutter, a citizen, spend their money to the degree that the Cummings have. I believe they should have an opportunity to offer an alternate opinion with their own consultants.”
Yet, board member Paul Pelletier argued for the applicant, saying, “I’m not going to stop the approval because of this. This is a very wonderful enterprise that wants to do business in Salem. I will be in favor of this.”
Should the casino hurdle all the obstacles still to come, it would be built at the site of The Mall of Rockingham Park located in Salem, New Hampshire. The interior of a building that has been vacant since 2020 would be demolished to make way for the gambling venue that is expected to cost $160 million and span three floors.
Future expansion could include a hotel if town officials approve, but right now, the casino operators are taking it one step at a time.
