Categories: News

City/Suffolk Signs Host Community Agreement

For several weeks the word on the street and at Boston City Hall, was that City and Suffolk Downs were getting closer to reaching a deal that would pay millions of dollars annually if a casino is built at the racetrack located in East Boston.

The rumor was substantiated last week when the two sides, following months of negotiations, effectively worked out a “host community agreement” moving the possibility of a casino at the racetrack in the right direction.

The state gaming board requires all cities and towns where a casino can be located to strike this type of agreement with developers before a gambling license is issued.

Mayor Thomas Menino was committed to get the best deal possible for the city. Apparently at least $32 million a year.

Las Vegas tycoon Steve Wynn has already committed $25 million a year to Everett from gaming proceeds if his $1.4 billion casino is built there.

It’s possible that North End businesses can benefit from a casino through what’s called the points system accrued by gambling numbers, if a casino works out an agreement with local businesses. Points can be used to purchase items in the North End.

Phil Orlandella

Recent Posts

FOOCP Sunset Boston Harbor Cruise

This year’s Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) annual Harbor Cruise saw about 100 people…

4 days ago

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow: A musical reading at Old North Church

The candles will be lit, the pews will be full, and the Headless Horseman will…

4 days ago

Suffolk County DA Hayden is proud of his many accomplishments

When Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden was introduced at a recent political event in…

4 days ago

City of Boston Election Department issues reminders ahead of State Primary, issues call for poll workers

The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Primary will take place on…

4 days ago

Gov. Healey does the right thing to ban kratom

The decision last week by Gov. Maura Healey and the Mass. Dept. of Public Health…

4 days ago

Healey-Driscoll Administration awards $15.5 million to train jobseekers for in-demand careers

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced $15.5 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) grants to 24…

4 days ago