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Casino proposals continue to generate headlines, with new developments emerging regularly regarding the Mohegan Sun project in Revere and Wynn Resorts’ plans for Everett.
Two significant recent developments warrant attention:
• Boston’s status as a surrounding community may soon change. Mayor Martin Walsh outlined his intentions in a letter to the editor published this week in East Boston and Charlestown newspapers, pledging to pursue every possible means of securing host community designation for Boston.
• Nine communities submitted petitions Monday requesting surrounding community status and access to mitigation funds. The list for Mohegan Sun includes Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Lynn, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Saugus and Somerville.
Mohegan Sun has already approved Boston, Chelsea and Winthrop as surrounding communities, with Chelsea and Winthrop accepting this classification. However, Melrose, Malden, Medford, Somerville, Saugus and Cambridge appear questionable as surrounding communities, though circumstances may evolve.
With the May licensing deadline approaching, Boston holds the strongest position for a substantial mitigation package. Mohegan Sun has indicated plans to invest tens of millions in roadway improvements that would benefit traffic conditions across surrounding communities in the Revere area.
Walsh is pursuing compensation comparable to what former Mayor Menino secured from Caesar’s during the earlier East Boston proposal. His mitigation request likely exceeds what will be acceptable, though the effort itself merits recognition.
A more modest figure appears realistic—perhaps between $5 million and $15 million.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will probably favor whichever proposal best serves both host and surrounding communities through financial compensation and infrastructure improvements. Road repairs in surrounding communities leading to casinos will likely factor prominently in their decision. Boston should reasonably expect consideration for substantial assistance.
One might wish to tell Boston officials, “Keep your hands off our project.” Yet in today’s environment, such a stance would likely jeopardize the venture, given Boston’s inevitable exposure to impacts.
Mayor Walsh should carefully consider how to address Boston residents’ legitimate concerns through reasonable mitigation measures.