Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said to state environmental officials: Do not give Wynn Resorts permit.
At least, not yet.
Healey wanted to hold off the environmental permit Wynn Resorts need to have its planned $1.7 billion casino project in Everett constructed—not until Wynn submitted a long-term traffic plan.
The area where the casino is to be constructed is notorious for being congested, especially near the Sullivan Square. Healey said in her 70-page letter to the state’s environmental affairs secretary that without addressing traffic congestion prior to giving the permit, they may never get that traffic contingency plan.
The area where the casino is to be constructed is notorious for being congested, especially near the Sullivan Square. Healey said in her 70-page letter to the state’s environmental affairs secretary that without addressing traffic congestion prior to giving the permit, they may never get that traffic contingency plan.
"This dangerous and congested set of roadways may be unfamiliar to many state residents, but it serves as a major regional transit hub and access point."
Also an anti-casino Democrat, Healey—who lives just across the river from the proposed casino site—is among those who will be most affected by the expected traffic increase.
Healey’s letter follows a memo she submitted last month to transportation officials. The memo calls for a separate review of Wynn’s environmental and traffic plan which has been under review for two years.
It has gone many revisions since its filing in 2013 and is now over 10,000 pages.
Michael Weaver, Wynn’s spokesperson said the review process requires Wynn to address traffic impact caused by the project, “not to solve decades-long traffic issues” prior to the project.
Weaver added they are ready to move forward with a $10.9 million budget to mitigate traffic in the area after 2 and ½ years of traffic analysis and millions of dollars spent (See plan here: http://www.everettindependent.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/EVRT_20150729_A1.jpg)
Wynn has proposed to pay over $7 million to state transit authority for 15 years so improvements can be made to the subway line.
The Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary will be issuing a decision on the issue by August 28.