Casino opponents disrupt traffic

PALMER, Mass. - A group of casino gambling opponents took to the streets of Palmer in their cars to protest a proposal to put a casino there.

About 75 cars, many with signs reading "casino traffic" in their windows, drove around downtown for an hour Saturday in an attempt to simulate the congestion they say would come with a casino.

Ronald Masnicki of Palmer, who participated in the protest, said he saw people having trouble exiting side streets and a gas station near where the Mohegan Sun wants to build a $1 billion gambling complex.

Another 140 people held up pro-casino signs in another demonstration. They say the increased tax revenue and 3,000 permanent jobs are worth more traffic in town.

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Information from: The Springfield Republican, http://www.masslive.com/news/