Wynn Resorts, which hopes to build a $1.7bn resort casino in Everett in the US state of Massachusetts, has delayed a groundbreaking ceremony, cancelled planned job fairs and frozen all project-related recruitment.
The company said the move is in response to Somerville city mayor Joseph Curtatone’s intervention in the award of an environmental permit for waterside construction projects.
Curtatone, a committed opponent of the casino project, submitted the appeal earlier this month.
Wynn Everett President Robert DeSalvio said at a press conference that, due to Curtatone’s appeal, “the construction of the Wynn resort is effectively on hold.
“We are not going anywhere,” he added. “We will get this project started as soon as possible. We will get this amazing project done.
“But for now, unfortunately, due to the delay that’s caused by the appeal, we are actually going to have to go on hold.”
In a subsequent press conference at Somerville City Hall, Curtatone blamed Wynn for the delays.
“The appeals are a necessary to make sure we get it right,” the mayor said.
“They knew the appeal was coming, and their claim that everything from this point on is the responsibility of the city of Somerville is really based on Wynn’s fantasy timeline where they are above the rules and regulations of this Commonwealth, and that they’re not subject to the normal appeals process.
“As soon as Wynn is willing to step up to the plate to develop a responsible traffic plan and address our environmental concerns, then this project has a possibility of moving forward,” said Curtatone.
