SPRINGFIELD – Some two years ago, an economically-struggling city began the consideration of welcoming a casino into its community.

Springfield is one of the many cities in Massachusetts that was speculated to be a good fit for a casino. They did eventually get that bid when MGM and the city joined forces. But for what many thought would be a clean-cut plan for the proposed casino, MGM is slowly turning into a questionable route.

From Jersey barriers running in front of some of Springfield’s strongest local businesses to announcing a complete construction change, MGM is proving to be a dynamic company.

Springfield originally signed on with MGM with the plan of having a 25-floor skyscraper building added to the cityscape. That proposal has now been downsized to 6 floors, that the company says will cost more. MGM says that plans on amenities have not changed, just the size.

However, the downsizing may not only in terms of the size of the building.

MGM is obligated under contract to create at least 3,000 casino related jobs and 2,000 construction jobs. The concern that resonates with the change in the construction plan: could those promised jobs be next?

Residents are concerned that things will only become more complicated as MGM begins their development in terms of economic growth and traffic. Those familiar with the area understand the struggles the downtown area has been facing.

Joyce Calhoun, born and raised in Springfield, explained her frustration.

“I avoid going down there [downtown] at all costs,” Calhoun said. “It’s just a headache.”

Calhoun, along with many others, believes the changes MGM has made have created nothing but chaos.

Famous local businesses such as Red Rose Pizzeria, La Fiorentina Bakery and Frigo’s will not see the majority of the struggles because of their popularity. But, business like McCaffrey’s Pub are suffering from the inconvenience caused by the entrance of MGM into downtown Springfield.

With any change, especially with something as big as a casino, there will be people who hate it, people who love it, and people who want to get it over with.

The question that stirs the most concerns and emotions to the community would be, “is it all worth the trouble?”

Each individual feels uniquely towards the changes, making it Springfield’s most controversial topic.

Growing up in Springfield, many are aware of its history of the thriving downtown with the great feature of Tower Square and tons of other businesses. But those times have died down, and there remain many vacancies and an increasing amount of questions.

When will Springfield thrive again? How can Springfield do better? Whose businesses are going to support this goal of economic growth?

MGM seemed to have all the answers laid out with its solid 25-floor skyscraper plan. But the shift in plans may lead to the shift in trust of the actual benefits Springfield will see. With a community that has seen economic suffering, locals are trying their best to rebuild the city the right way.

Both residences and businesses are getting a sample of how dealing with a mega-company can be and the changes it will bring.

Keisha Sheppard, another Springfield native, says, “You have to take the good with the bad when it comes to this. It’s a process; it may not always be pretty, but I believe it will be worth it.”

As plans are being changed and concerns are rising, Sheppard reminds the community of the most essential factor with change: to have patience.

Springfield is a city of history and grand triumphs and the residents and business can all agree that the main goal is to see MGM contribute to a community with such greatness.