Letter from Mayor Rizzo to the Mass Gaming Commission
November 14, 2013
Dear Chairman Crosby:
For nearly 80 years, the City of Revere has been a host community to Suffolk Downs. When asked last week to continue that relationship, the voters of Revere overwhelmingly supported the siting of a gaming establishment at the Suffolk Downs property. More than 11,000 voters turned out for the November 5, 2013 City Election, with over 60% voting “yes” on the casino ballot question.
I submit this letter to express Revere’s ongoing, enthusiastic support for the Suffolk Downs project. Since the evening of November 5th, my administration has been working closely with Suffolk Downs on a plan to locate a resort gaming establishment on the Revere side of the Suffolk Downs property, consistent with the affirmative land use referendum in Revere.
Please note that the City’s ballot question asked if voters would permit a gaming establishment at the Suffolk Downs property off of Winthrop Avenue in Revere. In addition, the published summary of the City’s Host Community Agreement, which was printed on every ballot, clearly stated that the Agreement would be re-opened if the casino was developed on the Revere side of the Suffolk Downs property. Finally, Revere’s ballot was silent with respect to Suffolk Downs’ gaming operator.
As a result, Suffolk Downs may proceed with a new version of its project without having to ask Revere citizens to approve it a second time. My administration is currently considering what amendments to the City’s Host Community Agreement will be appropriate to accommodate Suffolk Downs’ project in Revere.
A first class gaming establishment at Suffolk Downs will bring needed economic development opportunities, municipal revenue and employment to thousands of local families. With 4,000 permanent jobs and 2,500 construction jobs at stake, I have been proud to support this project, both before and after November 5th.
I appreciate the Gaming Commission’s independence and integrity as applied to the casino licensing process. I respectfully request that you keep the voice of our City’s voters in mind when considering Suffolk Downs’ plans for Revere.
I thank the Gaming Commission for its consideration of these comments.
Sincerely,
Daniel Rizzo
Mayor