February 26, 2016—Wynn Resort was planning on building a casino and hotel in Everett; however, the groundbreaking has been delayed. It was placed for spring. Wynn Resorts stated the delay is due to Somerville, MA Mayor Joe Curtatone. The mayor filed an appeal regarding the environmental permit. Wynn has planned $1.7 billion to build the casino, which is supposed to be constructed near the Mystic River. To build near the river, Wynn Resorts needed a state license, as it is a waterfront project. The license has not been issued yet, but did receive word in January from the Department of Environmental Protection. The department stated it “will approve the proposed structures.”
Based on the laws regarding casinos, the decision was opened up to appeals. Somerville filed one in February. Curtatone opposed the states legalization of gambling in 2011 and still feels casino traffic would directly affect his city. He also believes the increased air pollution from more traffic would lead to health problems for his residents. The appeal also has an issue with the length of the license being 85 years and the height of the hotel. This appeal is separate from the four other lawsuits Somerville filed to block the Wynn Resort and Casino.
Wynn is not allowed to continue with the casino until the waterfront license has been issued and the appeal has been heard. The company is working on some remediation work, such as utility location, according to Robert DeSalvio, the Wynn Everett President. Wynn also stated they would have a hiring freeze for the project and have to cancel the seven upcoming fairs.
DeSalvio stated, “There’s no sense for us to really gather the troops if there’s nothing for them to do.”
The appeal process will start with a conference, where the case may be settlement, before a hearing on June 2. The conference will be held March 10th. The appeal process can take six to 12 months.