By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Sports enthusiasts, businessmen and residents – many who have interacted for many years with Wesley Tuttle, general manager of the New England Sports Center and his staff – came out in full force to the April 25 City Council meeting to state their full support to add two rinks. The public hearing is required to act on the application for a special permit requested by the New England Sports Management (NESM) Corporation, to add rinks seven and eight and restaurants at the 121 Donald Lynch Boulevard location.
In his brief comments, Tuttle stated that more than 3,500 teams choose Marlborough to hold events and the number keeps growing. Among the many voicing support were local businessmen Michael Kennedy of Kennedy’s Restaurant and Market; Robert Kays, owner of the Prospector Bar and Grill; and Richard Tomanek, general manager of Embassy Suites.
“The Sports Center has had a huge economic impact on the city and continues to build sports tourism here,” said Tomanek.
Greater Marlborough Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Susanne Leeber added: “Everyone knows the Sports Center has been an economic engine for us since 1994.”
The following business and organizations sent letters of support: Mass. Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc., Residence Inn, Holiday Inn, Best Western Royal Plaza, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, Olive Garden Restaurant and Holiday Inn Express.
The Urban Affairs Committee will continue its study of the request and make a recommendation to the full council.
