Boston Harbor Enhancement Not Yet a Certainty as Critics Voice Concerns
Wynn Resorts is trying to broaden its presence in Everett, Massachusetts, with a $1.7 billion, 13-acre development named Encore Boston Harbor. However, before greenlighting this project, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) and local authorities are gathering public feedback.
Not all feedback has been positive towards Wynn Resorts' intentions to broaden its Massachusetts casino resort, which is the wealthiest casino out of the state's three commercial gaming properties. Wynn aims to extend Encore Boston Harbor to the south across Broadway to construct a new gaming area including a sportsbook and poker room.
The new development would include 20,000 square feet of additional restaurant space, a new location for the casino's "Memoire" nightclub, and a 999-seat theater. Connected to the existing casino and resort via an elevated pedestrian bridge, the project would also feature a new 2,200-space parking garage.
In February, the MGC decided that Wynn Resorts' casino license could be transferred across Broadway to the new structure. Commissioners previously expressed concerns that the state's gaming concession only permits Encore Boston Harbor to operate casino games in the area north of Broadway/Alford St up to the Mystic River Bridge railroad.
Public Response
On Tuesday, the MGC held a virtual public hearing on the Encore Boston Harbor expansion proposal. State gaming officials listened to both pro and con comments about the $1.7 billion expansion plan.
Advocates argued that the development would result in additional well-paying jobs and additional tax revenue for the state and local municipalities. Critics countered that Wynn hadn't met the employment promise it made before opening Encore Boston Harbor. They claimed that property taxes in the area had risen, not fallen, since the casino's June 2019 opening.
Carlos Aramayo, president of Unite Here Local 26 - representing hospitality workers at Encore Boston Harbor - stated that the state should only approve the expansion if Wynn agrees to higher wages and improved benefits for employees through collective bargaining.
Our support for this expansion is contingent upon a labor harmony commitment across all aspects of this application's operations. Sadly, as of now, no such commitment has been pledged," Aramayo stated to the MGC.
Everett City Councilor Darren Cota suggested that the city might want to renegotiate its host agreement and labor agreements with Wynn Resorts in exchange for approval of the expansion. Other opponents suggested that the city should hold a referendum this November to determine whether city residents want the casino to expand in the first place.
Hotel Expansion Plans
Wynn Resorts mentioned if granted authorization to expand gaming south of Broadway and attract more visitors with a theater, the firm would seek permission to construct two additional hotel towers. These hotels would offer a combined 800 rooms, adding to the existing 671 rooms at Encore Boston Harbor.
The MGC didn't make a decision on the Encore expansion on Tuesday. The gaming commission stated it's gathering public opinions about the matter until 4 p.m. EST on June 9. Community opinions can be emailed to [email protected].
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