The highly anticipated expansion of the Encore Boston Harbor casino has been put on hold due to an impasse between the casino’s management and the city of Everett. The $325 million expansion, which was set to include a new hotel tower, additional gaming space, and other amenities, has been suspended indefinitely as negotiations between the two parties have reached a stalemate.
The disagreement centers around a proposed community benefits package that the city of Everett is demanding as part of the expansion project. Mayor Carlo DeMaria has been vocal about his desire for Encore to provide more community benefits, including increased funding for public schools, affordable housing initiatives, and job training programs for city residents.
However, Encore officials have pushed back against the city’s demands, arguing that they have already committed significant resources to the community through their existing development agreement. They have expressed concerns that the additional demands from the city could jeopardize the financial viability of the expansion project.
In a statement released to the press, Encore Boston Harbor president Brian Gullbrants said, “We have been working diligently with the city of Everett to find a mutually beneficial solution that meets the needs of both parties. Unfortunately, we have been unable to reach a resolution at this time and have been forced to suspend work on the expansion project until further notice.”
The suspension of the expansion project comes as a blow to both the city of Everett and the casino, as the additional amenities were expected to attract more visitors and generate more revenue for the establishment. The expansion was also seen as a key part of Encore’s efforts to establish itself as a premier destination in the region.
Residents of Everett have expressed disappointment over the impasse, with many voicing concerns about the impact that the suspension of the expansion project will have on the local economy. Some have called for both sides to return to the negotiating table and find a compromise that will allow the project to move forward.
As of now, it remains unclear when or if negotiations between Encore and the city of Everett will resume. In the meantime, the expansion project will remain on hold, leaving the future of the Encore Boston Harbor casino in limbo.
