The water shuttle to Encore Boston Harbor casino crosses the Mystic River toward Everett, carrying a diverse group of passengers that includes a financier, a young couple, and a homeless man wearing a red MAGA hat. The route passes by old scrapyards and industrial warehouses, remnants of the area’s manufacturing past, before arriving at the casino’s gleaming bronze and glass tower. The structure, valued at $2.6 billion, stands as a symbol of transformative hopes for the local community.
Encore Boston Harbor, owned by Wynn Resorts, opened seven years ago with ambitious goals. The casino was intended to revitalize a historically contaminated industrial waterfront, long abandoned and underutilized. Wynn Resorts projected that the development would generate thousands of union jobs, produce significant tax revenue, and establish a high-end destination to attract visitors to the region.
Since its opening, the casino has indeed created employment opportunities and contributed to Everett’s economy. However, opinions are mixed on whether the broader promises of transformation have been fully realized. Supporters point to job creation and increased municipal revenues as indicators of success, noting that the casino has drawn a steady flow of visitors to Everett.
Critics argue that despite these gains, the area beyond the casino’s footprint remains largely unchanged. The surrounding neighborhoods continue to reflect their industrial roots, with aging infrastructure and persistent socioeconomic challenges. Some community members question how much of the casino’s economic benefits have trickled down to longtime residents.
The Everett casino project exemplifies a significant gamble on urban redevelopment through a luxury entertainment venue. While it has introduced a new economic driver in the region, assessing the full impact on the local community and the waterfront’s transformation remains a complex issue. Wynn Resorts’ $2.6 billion investment signifies a commitment to reshaping the area, but the extent of lasting change in Everett is still a subject of debate among stakeholders.