Casino renovation plan encounters setbacks as legislators reject proposed bill in New Hampshire.
Legislation that could have boosted the growth of Hampton Beach Casino in New Hampshire fell through last week in the state legislature.
The bill, HB 1215, failed to secure approval in the House of Representatives following a 261-102 vote on Thursday, despite getting a green light in the Senate via a voice vote earlier.
This proposal aimed to make adjustments to other legislation pertaining to development approvals and appeals.
It gave the Hampton, N.H.’s Board of Selectmen the power to close a local street, potentially leading to the expansion of the 125-year-old waterfront complex.
According to the Portsmouth Herald, major owner of the Hampton Beach gaming property, Sal Lupoli, who is president and CEO of Lupoli Companies, plans to build a convention center, a 500-room hotel, a parking garage, and increase the ballroom size, among other changes.
The concert ballroom, seating 2,200 currently, would be expanded to accommodate around 3,500 people, according to the proposal.
The estimated cost of the entire project is approximately $600M.
Last year, Lupoli bought the nearby Mainsail Motel and Cottages for $7.35M.
A Boost to the Economy
The project has garnered support from many.
If redevelopment takes place, it is expected to revitalize the Hampton Beach boardwalk area and bring in millions of dollars of economic growth to the region, as stated by state Rep. Joe Alexander, R-Goffstown, in a summary on the legislation, as reported by the Herald.
State Rep. Kelley Potenza, R-Rochester, added, “It would be wonderful to have a new venue because the property has become quite run-down.”
Supporters argue that with the redevelopment, the casino would draw customers all year round.
Concerns Over the Proposal
The fact that the legislative proposal was added as an amendment to a bill sparked concerns from state Rep. Jim Maggiore, D-North Hampton. He also highlighted that it was approved only by a voice vote in the Senate, describing it as a “needless doubling of exemptions.”
Even if the amendment were approved by the legislature, the local Board of Selectmen would still require approvals from other local boards before making any moves. These local boards include the Hampton Planning Board, the Hampton Beach Village District, and the Hampton Beach Area Commission, the Herald reported.
Without state legislation approval, the town will likely need to hold a local vote before officials could eliminate D Street.
The earliest this vote could occur is at the March 2025 Hampton annual town meeting. This later date means the entire plan gets pushed back. The casino expansion project is projected to take about three years’ worth of construction.
Read also:
- Leverkusen claims victory in the cup, securing a double triumph.
- Alonso achieves a double victory after consuming a German brew.
- Does the SVolt factory in Saarland face stability issues?
- Furor surrounding Sylt scandal footage