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Md. company proposes slot parlor west of Boston

BOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Another company has entered the race to open a slot parlor in Massachusetts.

Officials with The Cordish Companies, based in Baltimore, announced Tuesday that they want to build a $200 million hotel and gambling facility just off Interstate 495 in Boxborough, about 25 miles northwest of Boston.

The plan calls for Cordish to buy, renovate, and expand an existing hotel at the site and rebrand the property as a boutique hotel and casino, managing partner Joe Weinberg told The Boston Globe (http://bo.st/13hk3vO ). Part of the existing building would be demolished and replaced on a 20-acre site.

The project would also include several restaurants, an entertainment area, meeting space, spa and fitness facilities.

He says the company chose the location to be close to population centers, yet far from other casino proposals.

Cordish, a real estate developer with a wide portfolio of projects, has built successful casinos, including Hard Rock casinos in Florida, and the Maryland Live! Casino, outside Baltimore.

"We have proven time and again we can build beautiful, modern facilities with a scope of gaming that is slots only," Weinberg said.

Other developers have proposed slot parlors in Plainville, Worcester and Raynham. Under state law, just one such facility can be built in the state.

The company has discussed its proposal with town officials and it set up renderings and photos of its existing properties at an all-day display for Boxborough residents on Tuesday.

Selectman Vincent Amoroso said he expects the five-member board to take up the matter next week.

Any gambling facility in the state must be approved by the host community and the state gambling commission.