City of Boston files legal action against Massachusetts Gaming Commission

Mayor Martin Walsh announced Monday that the City of Boston has filed a civil complaint against the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in connection with the Commission’s award of a Category 1 gaming license to Wynn for the development of a resort-casino in Everett.

City officials have been working with Wynn to negotiate an agreement on community benefits, but have been unable to reach an agreement.

“We have spent an enormous amount of time and sustained effort on the casino issue over the past year since this is something that impacts every single one of our residents,” Mayor Walsh said. “We have understood from day one the complexity of this issue as it relates to the city and it has always been our belief that Boston is a host community. Our priority is to protect the people of Boston and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. It is clear to us that this is the best way to move forward for Charlestown, the City of Boston and the entire Commonwealth.”

The only legal access point to the planned casino is through Horizon Way, directly through the City or, more specifically, the neighborhood of Charlestown. With Boston providing the sole access to the casino site, the vast majority of patrons will be required to travel through Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square in Charlestown, an area that already faces severe traffic congestion, posing significant environmental and public safety risks, city officials say.