A plan proposed by Encore Casino in Everett to convert the area across the street into a 1,800-seat venue with 20,000 square feet of restaurants and a large parking garage was shelved.
A week ago, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission was due to discuss the proposed development. In the meantime, the plans have changed.
“Some issues have come up in terms of whether it’s part of the gaming establishment or not, which has certain implications for their development, as well as COVID and other things they’re considering at this time,” said Joe Delaney, the commission chief for community affairs.
Delaney added that once a new assessment is complete, Encore will submit the plan to the Gambling Commission to determine whether these additions will be considered part of the gaming facility’s premises. Once this process is complete, Encore will proceed with the Everett Planning Board and other involved parties.
Encore representatives were not present during the meeting, and Delaney said the company did not provide a timeline for returning the plan.
“We are pleased with the progress we are making in laying out a development plan that will serve as a springboard for the creation of a Lower Broadway Entertainment District,” said an Encore spokesman. “We are continuing to develop this plan and will submit it to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in due course.”
Matthew Lattanzi, director of planning and development and assistant city attorney for Everett, said via email that Everett is “excited to review this transformative redevelopment proposed by the Encore team,” calling the area “a longstanding home for industrial and unsightly.” Uses”. “never has its true potential been explored.”
“The city has been actively meeting with Encore officials to discuss their newly proposed development, dubbed the ‘East of Broadway Development.’ Our meetings with the development team over the past few months have helped shape the project throughout its design… of a target district in Everett’s Lower Broadway area,” Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria said in a statement.
Gaming Commission officials also announced that 12 poker tables would return to Encore next month after being closed for several months due to COVID-19.
