‘Historic’ Barns Could Kill Casino Project

One of the runners for a potential casino in Massachusetts will have to deal with a hurdle in the form of its proposed location containing some historic structures that state officials don’t really want to see go, at least not hastily, according to The Boston Herald.

A proposed project by Suffolk Downs and partner Mohegan Sun would “demolish 30 wood-frame horse stables and a pony barn on the Revere side of the track to make way for the casino. [They] plan to move the barns to the East Boston side of the track…all of which were built in 1935 and are listed in a state inventory of historic landmarks.”

Some sort of compromise likely would have to worked out in order for the project to remain viable, since a major delay could be a killer for the project.

The Massachusetts Historic Commission can’t outright nix the project because of its concerns.

Wynn Resorts wants to build just outside Boston, in the town of Everett, and could be the favorite to win the final OK to build. Just one project in the region will be approved.

Wynn’s site is “historic” too, but for being a former toxic chemical site.

The state authorized three Las Vegas-style casinos and one slots-parlor via a 2011 law change. Penn National Gaming just broke ground on its slots and racing facility.

MGM Resorts looks to be the front runner in its respective part of the state.