Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey sent on Friday a 15-page letter to Matthew Beaton, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs , urging the official to deny Wynn Resorts a crucial environmental certificate for the construction of a $1.7-billion casino resort in Everett.
According to the state Attorney General, the permit should be given only after the gambling operator provides a “long-term traffic solution” for the traffic issues that may arise in the area due to the launch of the expensive gambling venue. According to her, if those issues are not dealt with in timely manner, they may eventually remain unsolved.
Ms. Healey, a Charlestown resident and vocal opponent of gambling, wrote in her latter to Massachusetts’ top environmental official that a permanent solution needs to be presented for Sullivan Square and Rutherford Avenue. The Attorney General wrote that the “dangerous and congested set of roadways” is currently an important transit hub in the area that gives access to Charlestown, Boston, Union and Assembly Squares in Somerville, and Everett. Furthermore, it is to turn into the main route to the Wynn Resorts casino once it opens doors.
This is why Ms. Healey said she believes the gambling operator needs to provide an adequate long-term plan that addresses the negative impact the gaming property may have on traffic in the area. And the plan needs to be introduced before Wynn Resorts proceeds with the construction of its casino.
The Attorney General also wrote in her latter that Steve Wynn, Chief Executive Officer of the major gambling operator, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, as well as Boston and Somerville officials should work closely together on a universal mitigation plan before the crucial permit is issued. She also noted that the plan should be compatible with Boston’s own plans for the redevelopment of that particular area.
The Massachusetts Environmental Secretary Matthew Beaton is expected to announce his decision whether Wynn Resorts will be issued the Environmental Policy Act certificate on Friday, August 28. Although the casino operator was awarded a gaming license by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, it cannot commence construction on its project without the important permit.
The $1.7-billion casino is to be located at the 33-acre site of a former powerplant on the Everett riverfront. The 24-story, curved tower is to feature numerous gambling, entertainment, and food and beverage options. Its construction is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs. Once completed, the property is to employ more than 4,000 people and to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to the state.
Mr. Wynn had previously said that his company would pay $10 million for short-term improvements of traffic in Sullivan Square before the casino opens doors. The additional amount of $25 million would be spent on long-term improvements. Furthermore, the gambling operator would contribute another $20 million, provided that traffic around the venue is heavier than expected.
Commenting on Ms. Healey’s letter, Mr. Wynn said in a Friday statement that under the state environmental requirements, his company is expected to mitigate the impacts the casino will have on the area, not to solve “decades-long” issues that pre-date the Wynn Resorts project.
