Wynn Resorts' CEO made a rare stop in Massachusetts to give us the first look at his $1.7 billion casino project in Everett - and apparently, he's testing out a new name.
Guests at the proposed casino, now tentatively called "Wynn Boston Harbor," will be met with giant floral sculptures and a $27 million Popeye statue.
"We were trying to expand its appeal and 'harbor' seemed like a pretty word," Steve Wynn said. "We haven't made a final decision yet."
Wynn's goal, he says, is to create one of the fanciest family destinations in the country outside Las Vegas.
"I wanted everyone to bring their entire family here for the day enjoy all things hotel has to offer and never see a gaming device," he said.
Wynn says his timeline is still intact - a groundbreaking in July and grand opening in late 2018 - despite the environmental appeal filed last month by Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone.
"There is nothing substantive that he has raised," Wynn said.
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"They're used to getting what they want," said Curtatone Tuesday. "Somerville is used to fighting for what is right and we will continue to fight."
Curtatone says he's not trying to hold up economic development and the potential for thousands of new jobs, but has real concerns about traffic and air quality.
"It's going to get worse with the Wynn casino project and there is no plan to mitigate that," Curtatone said.
"Air quality," Wynn asked. "You've got to be kidding me. Air quality? What air quality?"
Several mayors were invited to Wynn's project unveiling - but the Somerville Mayor wasn't.
"I guess we are being petulant," Wynn said laughing.
Still, Curtatone says his invite to Steve Wynn stands.
"If Wynn wants to move the project faster, my phone lines are open, our door is open," Curtatone said.
Both sides are still scheduled for a hearing on that environmental appeal in June.
