The $1.7 billion Everett casino project is expected to receive the long-awaited waterfront permit within the next few days and it seems the opponents of the project have missed one important detail. In order to object the aforementioned permit, they must have taken actions in that direction at an earlier stage.
The Department of Environmental Protection gave Wynn the nod to commence construction in Everett. The company was obliged to meet the building standards set in the so-called “Chapter 91” and according to the clauses, set in the document, anyone who would like to object the decision has it until February 12 to do that.
Ivey St. John, a resident of Charleston, commented on the matter and said it was baffling that the interested parties were not notified of the end date. He also added that the misinformation spoke volumes about the lack of transparency about the project and accused the casino officials of failing to inform the local communities about the negative impact the casino construction would have on the area.
In order to start the project, Wynn had to obtain a number of permits, but company representatives revealed that the waterfront permit, authorizing them to commence construction along the Mystic River, was the most difficult to get.
According to state laws, a group of at least 10 people (5 of whom must be locals) needs to raise an objection to authorities’ decision. In case this idea is materialized, the license acquisition might be delayed between six months and one year.
The spokesman of the Department of Environmental Protection was also reached for a comment and said that the agency was not obliged to post the decision online or notify the interested parties via an advertising campaign.
According to the latest information, no appeals have been filed so far, but it remains unclear as to whether the waterfront permit is to be challenged within the given window closing next Friday.
The spokesman of Wynn Resorts, Michael Weaver, said that the company had no doubts about the efficiency and integrity of DEP members regarding the project and remained hopeful that Wynn will acquire the necessary permits and finish the project in time.
Apart from the waterfront permit, Wynn has to overcome yet another hurdle. The “Section 61 Findings” need to be finalized. In order to do that, state agencies need to review MEPA findings before issuing the permit. Both casino opponents and proponents keep a close eye on the issuing process and a final stance on the matter should be taken no later than the beginning of April.
