Everett Voters Approve Casino Deal With Wynn Resorts
EVERETT (CBS) -- In a landslide Saturday, Everett voters approved an agreement between the city and Wynn Resorts to build a $1.2 billion resort hotel along the Mystic River, the company reported in a prepared statement.
By a 86 percent to 14 percent margin, 6,157 eligible voters cast ballots in the special citywide election to make Everett the first city in the commonwealth to ratify a resort casino host agreement since the state Legislature passed the 2012 Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act.
According to preliminary results, more than 25 percent of registered voters cast ballots Saturday, a turnout nearly equal to numbers in recent local political elections.
Mayor Carlo DeMaria praised the vote.
"Tonight, the people of Everett said in a clear voice that they support the proposed development with Wynn Resorts and our successfully negotiated host agreement," DeMaria said in a prepared statement. "In a historic showing of unity, the people spoke. Now, it's time for the Gaming Commission to listen. We will continue to work to make this vision a reality and will continue to engage the residents of the City as the proposal develops."
Wynn Resorts is pursuing one of three state gaming licenses to be awarded sometime early next year and has proposed a 550-room hotel and resort complex to be built at the 32-acre site of a former Monsanto chemical plant.
"The decision of the Massachusetts Legislature to require community approval of gaming developments was a wise one," Wynn Resorts chairman and CEO Steve Wynn said in the prepared statement. "It is rooted in the common sense notion that for any development to be meaningful, it must have robust support within the community. The voters of Everett have spoken clearly and decisively. The vote heightens our enthusiasm and dedication to this fine project. We thank the voters of Everett for their support and for making all of our efforts so easy."
