Boston-Area Casino Development Now On Hold

Wynn Resorts is putting its $1.7 billion casino project for the Boston-area temporarily on hold.

Robert DeSalvio, who is overseeing the development, said Wednesday major work at the planned waterfront site in Everett will have to wait because of the latest legal challenge by the nearby city of Somerville.

But he stressed the Las Vegas casino giant remains committed to the project, which holds the lone gambling license for the lucrative Boston market.

Somerville has filed a series of legal challenges against the development, citing negative health and environmental impacts. The latest is an administrative appeal of the state's decision to award the development a key environmental permit.

Wynn had hoped to break ground this spring on the casino complex overlooking Boston and targeted late 2018 for its opening.  (Associated Press)