Voters in the small town of Everett in the US state of Massachusetts have overwhelmingly approved Steve Wynn’s proposal to develop a $1.2bn resort casino on a site that once housed a chemical plant.
With 6,157 eligible voters casting ballots, 86 per cent approved the casino proposal in the state’s first binding referendum on a casino plan since an expanded gambling law was enacted.
“The voters of Everett have spoken clearly and decisively,” said Wynn. “The vote heightens our enthusiasm and dedication to this fine project. We thank the voters for their support and making all our efforts so easy.”
Before the project can be built, it needs to be approved by the state’s Gaming Commission. Wynn Resorts is pursuing one of three gaming licences to be awarded some time early next year. The company has proposed building Wynn Everett, a 550-room hotel and resort complex on a 32-acre site that used to house a Monsanto chemical plant.
The agreement Wynn Resorts signed with city officials called for the gaming company to make $30m in advance payments to Everett and more than $25m in annual payments if and when the casino opens.
In the agreement, Wynn Resorts also promised to complete a multi-million dollar clean-up of pollution at the site along the Mystic River. The Las Vegas-based company also promised hiring preference to Everett residents for more than 8,000 construction and permanent jobs.
