Boston Sues Gaming Panel Over Casino Location
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has filed suit against the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, arguing Charlestown residents should have a vote on a $1.6 billion casino planned by Wynn Resorts in nearby Everett.
The lawsuit filed Monday in Suffolk Superior Court argues that Boston should have ``host community'' status because the only ``legal access'' to the casino site goes through the Charlestown neighborhood.
The commission in May denied the city's request to be designated a host community for either the Everett proposal or a competing plan for a casino in Revere. The commission later awarded Wynn the sole eastern Massachusetts resort casino license.
The panel designated Boston as a surrounding community, which entitles the city to financial compensation from Wynn, but not a vote.
A spokeswoman said the commission had no immediate comment on the lawsuit.