Wynn Resort project sets off a squabble in Massachusetts
Carlo DeMaria Jr., mayor of Everett, Mass., on Friday accused Boston Mayor Thomas Menino of attempting to “bully” his city and state gaming officials to gain political advantage for Suffolk Downs’s bid to win a casino license.
“It is no secret that Mayor Menino, a man I hold a deep respect for, holds a great deal of power and influence,” DeMaria said in prepared remarks. “But for him to attempt to bully the city of Everett, the gaming commission and state officials into submission to gain a political advantage for Suffolk Downs is something that I could not stand idly buy and allow to go unchecked.”
DeMaria held a rally Friday on a former Monsanto chemical factory site where Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts Ltd. proposes to build a $1 billion resort casino. Menino has claimed that a portion of the site is in Boston, allowing the city to be considered a host community under state law.
DeMaria dismissed Menino’s claim Friday, urging him to engage with Wynn Resorts about the impacts the development would have on Boston.
“Let me be clear: Everett is the sole host community for this development,” DeMaria said.
Menino’s spokeswoman, Dot Joyce, was unavailable for comment on Friday.
On June 22, 86 percent of voters in Everett approved a referendum on the project, which also must be approved by the state Gambling Commission.
Wynn Resorts is pursuing one of three gaming licenses to be awarded sometime early next year. The company has proposed Wynn Everett, a 550-room hotel and resort complex on 32 acres on the Mystic River in Everett.
Contact reporter Chris Sieroty at csieroty@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @sierotyfeatures on Twitter.
