Suffolk Downs might have some stiff competition now that Las Vegas gambling mogul Steve Wynn is eyeing nearby Everett as a potential casino site. Wynn is meeting with city leaders Wednesday to discuss building a casino at the old Monsanto Chemical Company site by the Mystic River.
It’s not the first interested developer Everett mayor Carlo DeMaria has seen. Acting chief of staff Dave Rodrigues says several developers have expressed interest in the Monsanto site, primarily for industrial sites and big box stores.
“For the mayor it’s never been about getting a development down there-- it’s been about getting the right development down there-- one that’s going to be a good corporate partner, and one that’s going to really add to what the mayor’s vision is for the City of Everett in the future,” Rodrigues said.
Caesars Entertainment submitted an application earlier this year with its plans to develop at the Suffolk Downs horse track in East Boston, which is only 5 miles away. Wynn’s move would put the neighboring cities in direction competition for the lone gaming license available for the eastern region. But the site on Chemical Lane is a former industrial site, and Rodrigues says that would need to be addressed before anyone makes a move.
“There are going to be some significant environment issues that need to be alleviated before a development can go in,” said Rodrigues. But he says the gaming act could bring a lot of beneficial change to the city’s infrastructure, event though they’re not signing up for anything just yet.
“What we’re doing is keeping an open mind,” Rodrigues said. “We’re having an open and forthright discussion with the Wynn people. And we’re looking forward to what Wynn’s vision for that site is and how it may complement the mayor’s vision for the city at large.”
So far that discussion is only taking place between Steve Wynn and Everett’s city leaders. A spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission says the group has not been contacted by Wynn Resorts about developing a casino in Everett.
