Politics & Government

Somerville Working on 'Surrounding Community' Agreement with Everett Casino

It's also seeking "surrounding community" status with a proposed casino in Revere.

The city of Somerville has been designated a "surrounding community" by Wynn MA, LLC, which is proposing a casino in Everett, according to Daniel DeMaina, a spokesperson for the city of Somerville.

At the same time, Somerville is petitioning the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to be declared a "surrounding community" for the Mohegan Sun casino proposal in Revere. The city was scheduled to make a presentation to the commission Tuesday afternoon to advocate for the surrounding community status.

The Wynn and Mohegan Sun proposals are both vying for one available casino license in the Greater Boston region.

Being declared a "surrounding community" entitles municipalities to receive money or other benefits from casino operators as mitigation for things like increased traffic and public safety concerns.

Wynn's surrounding community agreement with the city of Malden, for instance, includes about $6.3 million in payments over five years to pay for initiatives related to roadway safety, transportation, jobs, policing, and other casino-related issues.

DeMaina said Somerville has 30 days to reach an agreement with Wynn.


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