Casino mogul Steve Wynn threw light on details related to the $2 billion Everett casino project and remained confident that Wynn Boston Harbor casino will host its first visitors in May 2019. Wynn told local businesses that the property should have its grand opening “34 months from July”. He also added that Somerville’s environmental hurdle will be cleared soon.
The environmental appeal filed by the Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone questions the intensified traffic and the impact the resort construction would have on the environment. The Mayor also disapproves of Chapter 91 license that has an 85-year validity. As a result of the appeal, the environmental clean-up of the site was halted.
The casino magnate said he understood that the casino resort establishment was in contradiction with Mayor’s moral values, but added that the USA was a free country where everyone was able to enjoy the activity they like and invest their own money in projects they consider suitable. Wynn said that he was not a passionate casino player and he has never spoken favorably of gambling. He regarded himself more like a resort developer.
He told the media that there was a lot of work to be done on the sea wall and on the site itself. He also mentioned the company remains hopeful that the appeal to MEPA will lead to a successful outcome.
Back in March, Steve Wynn commented the design of the future property and said the resort should open doors early in 2019.
According to the latest announcements, the resort will comprise of a 24-story casino and hotel complex and expectations are to attract as many as 18,000 cars daily. As a result, the Somerville lawyers insist on Wynn to take adequate measures towards limiting the negative environmental impact the resort construction will have.
The Chapter 91 license issue also needs to be addressed. Wynn is required to design the property in a way that ensures public access to Mystic River.
The casino magnate said he was open for discussions with Somerville Mayor. Both Mayor Curtatone and Mr. Wynn have until June 21st to file final briefs and then, the final decision of the judge should be announced within 30 days.
There is a chance the judge to deny the appeal, impose license modifications or throw it out entirely. The final decision should be approved by the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, Martin Suuberg. The latter is expected to rule in the beginning of August.
