Everett Casino Plan Receives State Environmental Permit

– Allison Goldsberry

Wynn Resort’s plan for a casino in Everett received an environmental permit from the state on Friday, according to The Boston Globe and a statement from Wynn.

According to The Globe, state energy and environmental affairs secretary Matthew Beaton approved of Wynn’s plan for traffic improvements in nearby Charlestown but is requiring Wynn to participate in and fund transportation planning to address issues in Sullivan Square.

“I have concluded that the practical, rational, and effective approach to addressing broader region transportation impacts for this project is through enhanced transportation planning processes, not through the prism of this single project,” Beaton wrote in his 27-page ruling to approve Wynn’s permit.

According to a Wynn statement, the company prepared a 10,000-plus page report that detailed the project’s environmental impact and planned remediation efforts.

“We are gratified at this critical moment that we have moved much closer to the realization of creating a destination, grand hotel in Massachusetts,” said Wynn Resorts in a statement. “The process has been meticulous and hard fought and undoubtedly will continue to be so. However, with the support of the Governor and his administration, the process was open and fair.”

While the granting of the environmental permit is a major step forward for the casino development, the project still faces some challenges, including lawsuits by Boston, Somerville, and Revere. According to The Globe, a hearing on Boston’s lawsuit is scheduled for September 22. Wynn also needs a state permit to allow the casino to be built on waterfront property and a building permit from Everett.

The $1.7 billion development will occupy thirty-three acres along the Mystic River. The company says 4,000 construction jobs and 4,000 permanent jobs will be created.