There were plenty of opinions bantered about during the second public discussion of the proposed expansion of Encore Boston Harbor, which is located in Everett, Massachusetts, about five miles north of Boston.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) held the meeting, which took place on June 6. The MGC took no formal action in regards to approving the 13-acre, $1.7 billion expansion, which would be across from the Wynn Resorts’ existing Encore Boston Harbor. Wynn wants to erect a new facility would include new amenities and gaming, including additional parking, restaurants and a theater.
The theater had to be modified because of existing laws concerning performing arts facilities. Wynn had wanted an 1,800-seat theater. Massachusetts’ law prohibits new venues with seating capacities of 1,000 to 3,500 seats. This is done to protect existing performing arts centers. Wynn resubmitted plans with 999 seats to conform with the law.
Proponents of the expansion echoed what they said in the first public comments session. They claim that approving the project would provide more high-paying jobs and additional tax revenue.
Those that are against the project accused Wynn Resorts of not fulfilling its initial promise of more new jobs since the initial casino opened in June 2019. They also claimed that traffic has increased, as well as the need for more police. One of the biggest complaints was that taxes have actually increased.
One issue that needs to be rectified, according to critics, is the probability of increased traffic. Wynn has admitted there will be more cars, just by the fact that they want to build a 2,200-space parking garage.
Wynn Resorts’ officials have two planned phases to the expansion. The first is 20,000 square feet of restaurant space, a sports wagering facility, a dedicated poker room, a live entertainment venue and nightclub, and a 400-foot elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the new facility with the existing casino.
The next phase would be the erection of two hotels. The first would feature 500 rooms, the second with 300 rooms. Both hotels would have ballrooms, restaurants, retail areas and garages with 450 spaces.
One wrinkle could present a roadblock to the expansion. Everett City Councilor Darren Cota suggested that the city should renegotiate its host agreement with Wynn, something the casino company is probably hesitant to do. Another suggestion that was presented was putting a referendum on the November ballot so that the public could vote on the expansion.
Commission Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein said the commission would evaluate public comments at future meetings.
