Salem Approves $160M Casino Development at Rockingham Park

The Planning Board in Salem, New Hampshire, has given conditional approval to a $160 million casino project at the former Lord & Taylor location in The Mall at Rockingham Park. After long talks and a 5-2 vote, the big project will start next year.

Salem Casino Plan Backed by Officials Amid Resident Praise and Concerns

Amy Manzelli, a lawyer speaking for nearby property owners Jamie and Chris Cummings, brought up concerns about how the project might affect public safety, traffic, lighting, and ways for people to walk around, reported CNHI News. She also pointed out that a deed rule against gaming spots on the property had run out, and asked for more time to let the neighbors’ expert look over the application.

Police Chief Joel Dolan guaranteed that developers would cover any public safety costs, not taxpayers. The Planning Board and Planning Director Jacob LaFontaine trusted the project’s traffic studies and other impact assessments. Mark Gross from Tuscan Village pointed out that lighting had not caused problems since the mall’s renovation started in 1991.

During the meeting, public opinion supported the casino. Many residents praised Sal Lupoli of Lupoli Companies and Joe Faro of Tuscan Village for working together. Town Council Chair Joe Sweeney emphasized the town’s long-time backing for this project calling it good for the community.

Salem Casino Approved Despite Calls for Delay Over Neighbor Concerns

Although they supported the project overall, board members Bianca Carlson and Damon Norcross proposed postponing the vote to review Cummings’ concerns further. Board member Paul Pelletier, however, highlighted the development’s advantages and expressed his backing. In the end, the board gave the site plan the green light, with Carlson and Vice Chair Sean Lewis voting no.

The Live! Casino, a three-story building, will offer over 900 historic racing machines more than 40 gaming tables, a sports lounge, event spaces, a movie theater, golf simulators, and retail shops. The top floor will contain office space, an area for employee dining, and an outdoor patio.

The interior teardown will kick off construction next year. The developers have suggested they might expand further maybe adding a hotel, if they can get on the same page with the mall owners and the town. This plan is a big deal for Salem. It mixes entertainment with boosting the economy, but it has also stirred up talk about how to balance new building projects with what the neighboring residents want.