Lawmakers are expected to draft and debate casino legislation within the next few months, and state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford, urged the group to send in any input as quickly as possible so it can be considered.
A casino would create jobs, Petrin said, but at the same time have an impact on housing in the region with the potential to burden school systems.
Ashland Selectman Jon Fetherston voiced concern about the social costs.
“I have to look out for Ashland,” Fetherston said. He said a casino would certainly bring benefits, but also “a lot of bad elements” to the region, which would impact public safety and economic development.
“There is going to be prostitution, there is going to be crime. I just hope we can mitigate those before they become big issues in everybody’s town,” Fetherston said.