A rendering of the proposed Mohegan Sun casino in Revere at Suffolk Downs.
Credit: Mohegan Sun
Casino opponents ripped into Boston Mayor Marty Walsh over a reported agreement between the city and Mohegan Sun that doesn’t allow East Boston residents to vote on the plan. “We hoped for more from Mayor Walsh, who knows well the damage addiction has on people, families and communities,” said John Ribeiro, chairman of Repeal the Casino Deal, in a statement. “The city’s zest for phantom revenue wrapped in cronyism, conflict and corruption in both Revere and Everett, offers daily evidence for why we need to vote yes in November to stop this casino mess. Massachusetts can do better than this.” Boston and Mohegan Sun reached an agreement in principle in which the casino operator would pay the city to offset impacts of its planned development at Suffolk Downs, but would not permit a vote on the deal, according to the Globe. Figures on the deal were not released and a deal has not been officially announced. Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission rejected Boston’s argument that it was a host community the planned casino in Revere and another proposed by Wynn Resorts in Everett. Walsh had said Boston residents deserved a vote. In November, voters will get their say on the state’s 2011 gaming law when a ballot question will ask people whether to repeal it. Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
