Steve Wynn, Bob Kraft Dropping Foxboro, Mass. Casino Plan

(NECN: Peter Howe) - The Kraft group and Wynn Resorts said they are abandoning their plans for a billion dollar casino in Foxboro, Mass.

This comes just hours after residents overwhelmingly voted to elect two anti-casino selectmen.

New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft and casino magnate Steve Wynn have been saying for weeks that they would respect the will of voters in Foxboro in terms of their plans for that casino across Route 1 from Gillette Stadium.

Despite some skepticism, that's what they've just done.

Statement from The Kraft Group:
"When the Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed gaming legislation, we brought forth an opportunity with the unquestioned premier developer and operator in the industry. We have the greatest respect for Steve Wynn, his team and his business model, and believe this unique opportunity was worthy of a chance to be heard. With Monday’s election, we believe the citizens of Foxborough have spoken. As we originally committed, we have heard them and respect their collective voice. With that democratic statement, as opposed to the voices of five individuals, we will be suspending our efforts regarding a destination resort development. We thank all of the residents who reached out and participated in a dialogue about the future of the Town and thank Wynn Resorts for their interest in Foxborough."

Statement from Wynn Resorts:
"For the past six months, Wynn Resorts has sought to communicate the benefits of a proposed destination resort in Foxborough. Yesterday's election demonstrates the community's will and Wynn Resorts respects the outcome. We would like to thank all the Foxborough residents who supported the proposed resort and reached out to discuss the opportunity. We also would like to extend our gratitude to Robert Kraft and The Kraft Group for the introduction to the Town of Foxborough and support on this project."

Now, this leaves uncertain what if anything gets built on this big piece of land west of Route 1. Four years ago, the Kraft group was talking about building a 1.6-million square foot office park there focusing on the biotech industry. That plan was pulled as the economy soured. It appears at this point the Kraft’s are back to square one and this leaves the Suffolk Downs casino proposal looking like the strongest plan for the eastern Massachusetts casino license by far.

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