Everett mayor committed to resort opening
As the battle for the $2.4 billion Encore Boston Harbor casino resort and its license rages, the beleaguered gaming corporation has one committed ally — the Everett City Hall is firmly with the company.
“It would be a detriment to the city,” Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria told the Herald when asked what would happen if the Massachusetts Gaming Commission pulls the casino’s license. “It would take the wind out of our sails. This takes us to the next level.”
If the investigation, whose report may be issued as early as next month, goes south, “Then, guess what, then there goes Everett,” said the Rev. Richard McGowan, a casino expert at Boston College. “For Everett, it’s life or death.”
The commission continues to investigate whether Wynn Resorts is suitable to run the casino following the allegations earlier this year that Steve Wynn, the company’s namesake and then-leader, sexually harassed or assaulted dozens of women and didn’t disclose settlements during the initial vetting of the company. Wynn has since resigned.
“I am begging and pleading to the Gaming Commission: This is the company that can fulfill the promise made to the residents of the city of Everett,” DeMaria said.
The casino is slated to open in June, and the golden, curved building already rises high above the Mystic River on Everett’s border.
The mayor — who says he has “veto power” over terminating the deal as part of the agreement — said of Wynn Resorts, “They’re an intricate part of the business community in the city of Everett, and the commission needs to weigh that.”
The casino plans to hire more than 4,500 employees, and already has brought on 100 full-timers, said Greg John, spokesman for Encore Boston Harbor. He said the company is hopeful it will be able to move forward as planned.
“We look forward to its conclusion very soon — because we want to open this place up,” John said.
DeMaria said, “That’s the company that the city voted to do business with. It wasn’t with one person — it was with a company.”