A conceptual rendering of the resort casino proposed by Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs for Revere.
Credit: Mohegan Sun/Suffolk Downs
A city attorney appealed to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for help on Monday, saying that the developers of two potential resort casinos in neighboring cities are not providing Boston officials with enough information.
“We do think it is necessary for the commission to play a role to compel some of the information the city has been seeking. The time has come that the commission has to facilitate that sharing of information,” said Elizabeth Dello Russo, an attorney for the city of Boston.
The comments made during Monday’s gaming commission meeting make it appear that Boston and the two casino developers are not close to a community agreement as deadlines in the licensing process near.
The city has filed petitions to seek more time as it weighs its options in pursuing “host community” or “surrounding community” status for both Everett and Revere casino proposals. As a host community, Boston would be entitled to more financial and other benefits from whichever casino is ulitmately awarded the Eastern Massachusetts license.
Dello Russo pointed to the need to understand the entrance and exit points proposed by Mohegan Sun, which is hoping to build a $1.3 billion resort at Suffolk Downs. She also said the city wants to know why Wynn Resorts plans to seek permits from Boston’s transportation department for its $1.6 billion planned casino.
A Wynn lawyer told commissioners that the developer has responded to Boston’s request with all non-confidential and non-propriety documents.
Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby seemed upset by the back and forth between the city and the developers.
“This is an unbecoming conversation and shouldn’t be necessary,” he said. “It’s unbecoming and pointless and if you all can find a room and … can resolve these issues, great. Get it done,” he said.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
