Wynn Scores Another Crucial Permit on Casino Quest
Planned Wynn casino in Everett. Rendering by Wynn.
Wynn’s march to putting actual shovels in the ground at its 33-acre waterfront property in Everett continued on Monday when the company’s plans for a $1.7 billion resort casino received unanimous approval from the city’s planning board.
The Everett Planning Board’s approval of the project is crucial because it now allows Wynn to pursue local building permits and begin the process of actually building a casino. All of this comes on the heels of Wynn being granted a highly contested environmental permit for the project from the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
“We’re very thankful for the vote from the Everett Planning Board and the continued positive momentum that is building for our Wynn Everett Resort,” said Robert DeSalvio, President of Wynn Everett in a statement
Site prep for the project began earlier this month while environmental cleanup of the site is expected to start later this fall. Actual construction of the casino is not expected to start until sometime next spring. The resort is projected to be operational and open in 2018. When it is completed the resort will feature 600 hotel rooms in a 24-story tower, 3,242 slot machines and 168 table games on the gaming floor, 77,250 square feet of retail space, 64,593 square feet of dining options, 32,942 square feet of function rooms and convention space, and a 30,392-square-foot nightclub.
“Similar to our recent state approval, this approval is an important step that moves us much closer to construction and also helps bring Everett’s long-term plan for the area to life. The planning board recognized that Wynn Everett will be a catalyst in transforming Lower Broadway from an underused industrial area into a vibrant and thriving neighborhood. Wynn Everett will play a central role in this historic redevelopment,” said DeSalvio in a statement.
Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria praised the planning board’s decision.
“The city took a monumental step forward in making Wynn Everett a reality. With this key approval from the planning board, we are proceeding full steam ahead in bringing thousands of jobs and millions in revenue to Everett, along with a rebirth of the Lower Broadway region,” said DeMaria in a statement.
Boston, along with several surrounding communities, are in the middle of suing the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for awarding Wynn Resorts the lone eastern Massachusetts resort casino license. A Suffolk County judge at the heart of the lawsuit is currently weighing whether or not to dismiss the case. Recent reports indicate that relations between Boston and Wynn may be thawing.
