Encore Boston Harbor is searching for to broaden its footprint in Everett, Mass., with a 13-acre, $1.7 billion improvement. However earlier than the undertaking is greenlit, the Massachusetts Gaming Fee (MGC) and native authorities officers are listening to enter from the general public.
A rendering of the proposed growth of Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Mass. Wynn Resorts is searching for permission to broaden its resort and gaming footprint south throughout Broadway. (Picture: Wynn Resorts)
Not all of that enter has been welcoming to Wynn Resorts’ proposed growth of its Massachusetts on line casino resort, which is the richest on line casino among the many state’s three industrial gaming properties. Wynn needs to enlarge Encore Boston Harbor to the south throughout Broadway to assemble a separate gaming area that will characteristic a sportsbook and poker site.
The growth would end in 20,000 sq. toes of latest restaurant area, a brand new dwelling for the on line casino’s “Memoire” nightclub, and a 999-seat theater. The advanced can be related to the present on line casino and resort through an elevated pedestrian bridge, and have a brand new, 2,200-space parking storage.
The MGC in February decided that Wynn Resorts’ on line casino license could possibly be lent throughout Broadway to the brand new construction. Commissioners had earlier mentioned issues that the state’s gaming concession solely permits Encore Boston Harbor to function on line casino video games within the space north of Broadway/Alford St to the Mystic River Bridge railroad.
Public Pushback
The MGC held a digital public listening to on Tuesday relating to the Encore Boston Harbor growth proposal. State gaming regulators heard feedback for and towards the $1.7 billion growth.
Supporters mentioned the event would end in further good-paying jobs and supplementary tax income for the state and native municipalities. Opponents countered that Wynn hasn’t fulfilled the employment pledge it made earlier than opening Encore Boston Harbor. They claimed that property taxes within the space have gone up, not down, for the reason that on line casino’s opening in June 2019.
Carlos Aramayo, president of Unite Right here Native 26 — which represents hospitality employees at Encore Boston Harbor — says the state ought to solely log off on the growth if Wynn commits to higher pay and employee advantages. That will be achieved by a collective bargaining settlement.
We are able to solely assist this growth if there’s a labor concord dedication on all facets of this software’s operations. As of right this moment, regrettably, no such dedication has been made,” Aramayo informed the MGC.
Everett Metropolis Councilor Darren Cota mentioned it is perhaps good for town to renegotiate its host settlement and bargaining agreements with Wynn Resorts in trade for the growth approval. Different opponents mentioned town ought to maintain a referendum this November to find out if metropolis voters wish to enable the on line casino to broaden within the first place.
Lodge Phases
Wynn Resorts says if it’s allowed to broaden gaming south of Broadway and produce in additional guests with a theater, the corporate would search permission to construct two further resort towers. The 2 motels would collectively characteristic 800 rooms. Encore Boston Harbor presently has 671 guestrooms.
The MGC didn’t take a vote on the Encore growth on Tuesday. The gaming fee says it’s fielding public feedback in regards to the matter by 4 p.m. EST this Friday, June 9. Neighborhood remarks will be emailed to [email protected].
