Revere Debates Zoning Changes To Allow Mohegan Sun Casino
BOSTON (CBS) --- Revere is negotiating a brand new host community agreement with Suffolk Downs that would bring a billion dollar resort casino to the city.
Revere Mayor Dan Rizzo said the facility, operated by Mohegan Sun, would funnel money into Revere and create 4,000 jobs.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports
Revere Debates Zoning Changes To Allow Mohegan Sun Casino
Suffolk Downs is part of a 52 acre site that sits in the City of Revere and East Boston.
Last month, voters in Revere said "yes" to a casino by a big margin but because Suffolk Downs straddles Revere and East Boston, both communities had to say yes.
Despite massive spending to convince residents the casino was a good idea, 56-percent of East Boston voters said no.
"It's anticipated once fully operational, the city is in line to generate a $15 million annual revenue stream," Rizzo told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. "By moving the billion dollar facility to Revere, it will be significantly more."
But the new proposal is not without its hurdles. Should the Massachusetts Gaming Commission rule that a second vote must be taken among Revere residents on the casino, Rizzo says there won't be enough time for voters to approve the proposal and have it ready for the state's bid deadline at the end of the month.
"As a practical matter, people in Revere by a margin of 2-1 voted for this project, not because the proposal was a 1,000-feet down the road in East Boston but because they wanted to see a gaming facility at Suffolk Downs," Rizzo said.
The Revere City Council held a public hearing Monday night on zoning changes to allow for the casino. City Councilors approved a resolution supporting the proposal.
The council will likely vote on the proposed zoning changes on December 9th.
