Following the deal between Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and casino mogul Steve Wynn regarding the proposed $1.7-billion integrated casino resort on the Everett waterfront, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said that her office will scrutinize the agreement.
The state’s top legal official and her administration want to make sure that Sullivan Square in Boston’s neighborhood Charlestown will receive the attention and finances needed in order for even more serious traffic issues to be prevented from arising once the Everett casino is operational. Sullivan Square is known to be one of the worst bottlenecks in the state.
Ms. Healey told media that she has not seen all the details related to the agreement that was reached on Wednesday evening and she promised that her office will remain focused on finding “a long-term traffic solution” for the already heavily congested road. The official also noted that she considers the matter one of fundamental importance.
As reported yesterday, gambling operator Wynn Resorts, which was awarded one of three licenses for full-scale casinos in Massachusetts, agreed to pay the amount of $25 million over a ten-year term and the money will be used for finding an effective solution to Sullivan Square’s traffic issues. In addition, the company will pay $11 million for short-term improvements.
Under the terms of the agreement between Mayor Walsh and Mr. Wynn, the latter’s company will also annually contribute $2 million over a period of 15 years and will finance the regional working group with $250,000. Generally speaking, the said regional working group is concerned mainly with the environmental impacts the new casino will have on the region and its residents.
In August 2015, Ms. Healey called for Massachusetts’ environmental regulators not to give their consent to the proposed Everett gambling venue until Wynn Resorts provided an effective long-term solution for Sullivan Square’s traffic, which is expected to increase even further once the Everett complex is launched.
The Massachusetts Attorney General told media on Thursday that her office will continue working with the regional working group and their attention will remain focused on “what the current situation is and what the current needs are.”
Wynn Resorts is to build a $1.7-billion hotel and casino complex that will feature numerous gambling, accommodation, entertainment, food and beverage, and other options. The venue is slated to open doors in 2018. The multi-million-dollar project is expected to create thousands of temporary and permanent jobs and to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to the state.
Commenting on his agreement with Mr. Wynn, Mayor Walsh revealed that Boston will probably repurpose certain waterfront parcels in order to bring additional open space in the area. In addition, Boston’s top official said that as part of the deal, Orange Line will be improved and future traffic issues will be revisited in timely manner.
