As I indicated in the previous post, I don't think casinos in Massachusetts are a good idea. There's an excellent chance, however, that I might be getting one right in my back yard. According to a story on the Herald's web site today, Boston Mayor Tom Menino envisions "a full-blown entertainment complex” at Suffolk Downs, the struggling racetrack that straddles the East Boston/Revere line. Such a complex would include "a casino, with restaurants, hotels and other development."
Gov. Deval Patrick will soon be receiving a report on casino gambling from a commission that he appointed, and if Patrick and the mayor are on board, the road will seemingly be paved. Suffolk owner Richard Fields has been courting local politicians on the idea, and he apparently gets a quick payoff when he steps up to the table.
6 comments:
Well, I too find that small-time gaming can be detrimental to particularly lower-income and financially unstable persons. Unless a casino draws in more people from outside the economic region it is simply a reallocation of existing resources. That said...if we have to have one, what is better to have one out in the burbs or to have one in Boston with at least a shot of being a destination? I'm not sure if I want it in Eastie, but so it goes.
If this does go through, then Menino had better plan on distribution the vast majority of the tax revenues to improve the infrastructure, schools, parks, and main street areas of East Boston. Also, the local residents should have substantial help on property taxes or maybe even direct transfer payments through state tax rebates.
I can just see them taking all the money for the rich areas of Boston and leaving Eastie in shambles with all the traffic and vice crime that is surely to increase with a casino. I don't see what a casino in our East Boston has to do with someone is West Roxbury or Back Bay getting lower property taxes, but I am sure that is what they are planning.
It will be interesting to see what the Rep Candidate's have to say about the proposed casino at suffolk Downs. Is Drago's first mission - should the Mayor's machine succeed in getting him in, be to jam the casino down East Boston's collective throat? Is he going to deal with the already huge traffic concerns that will inevitably be exacerbated? Is he going to deal with the quality of life issues that surround a Casino like prostitution, gambling addiction, drug trafficking and loss of local jobs.
I will be looking for other candidates to take positions on the issue but have no trust in Drago. Even if he says he will oppose the casino (not to say that I am in opposition) he will be the Mayors candidate/state rep (if elected) for as long as Tommy is Mayor.
I would agree with the many posts here. Eastie should not have to take the brunt of another LULU (locally undesirable land use). This neighborhood has not seen any benefits (of real substance) to hosting Logan, or the LNG tanks. A casino would really only add to the more than evident problems that already exist. While it could be an economic draw if it drew people from outside the region, it would otherwise be a crime and economic detriment. Any siting negotiations would need to be done with both the current detriments of the airport and the proposed in mind. Eastie should only accept if it significantly benefits...and I mean significant...property taxes, Main Streets, parks, amenities, transport, and public safety.
I agree that there needs to be a major benefits package. It is sad that the candidates for Anthony's seat haven't taken a position. we know Drago is the Mayor's puppet. Haven't heard from Carlo, Mota has used the issue to shine light on tax revenue on a state level and jobs and has a pretty good plan i think to move us up. Mary has said that gambling is a private issue (not sure what that means)and hopefully Richie jumps in the race before it's too late. But then again, our beloved Mayor doesn't want anyone he can't control which is why he bullied Eddie out of the race. This cannot be our politics.
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