Larson Joins in Demolition Ceremony to Begin New East Windsor Casino

EAST WINDSOR— Senators Tim Larson (D-East Hartford) today joined Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribal leaders, state and local officials, construction workers and others to begin the demolition of the former Showcase Cinemas on Prospect Hill Road in East Windsor in order to make way for the new 200,000 square foot gaming and entertainment facility planned for the site.

“I’m excited,’ said Sen. Larson, whose Senate District includes East Windsor. “Today is a great step forward in protecting Connecticut jobs, and this facility has always been about jobs—jobs, jobs, jobs. We can’t cut our way to economic success here in Connecticut, we can’t tax our way to success, but we can grow our way to success—and that growth beings today.”

At the demolition ceremony, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chair Rodney Butler and Mohegan Tribal Council Chair Kevin Brown announced that the East Windsor gaming and entertainment venue will help save 4,300 jobs in Connecticut and will create at least 650 jobs in the Hartford area, including 325 jobs in Hartford, 150 in East Hartford and another 175 jobs throughout East Windsor, Windsor Locks and surrounding communities.

“The two tribes working together in a partnership with the State of Connecticut have provided 20,000 jobs and more than $7 billion in revenue for the state,” Chairman Brown said. “That’s the bottom line. That’s why we’re the right partner. Today begins a new chapter in that partnership.”