Everett, Wynn Resorts reach last-minute deal as longtime mayor exits

Local News

The pact on two new hotels and a commuter rail stop marks the embattled mayor’s final move in office.

After 18 years in office and a controversy-filled final chapter, now former Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria used his last hours on the job to sign a sweeping agreement with Wynn Resorts, setting the stage for two new hotels and a full-service commuter rail stop.

“While I did not negotiate this agreement, it is important to be clear: this project will move forward under my administration,” incoming Mayor Robert Van Campen soon clarified in a statement. “My focus is now making sure it delivers real, lasting value for the people of Everett. And there are benefits.”

Once operational, the development will generate close to $12 million annually for the city, according to a release from Van Campen. 

As part of the agreement, Wynn has committed roughly $15 million toward transportation improvements in the city, including expanded and dedicated bus lanes, and $25 million toward the future commuter rail stop. 

Construction could start as early as this spring, with the hotels opening in 2028.

The agreement with Wynn Resorts, the release said, is part of a three-phase “East of Broadway” development on Lower Broadway. All three phases have undergone review under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act process. 

The original first phase included a garage, a day-and-night club, and a theater – all of which received local approval in December 2022. However, in the new agreement, the first phase now includes the two hotels with approximately 800 rooms. The project still needs to go through Site Plan Review before the city’s Planning Board. 

The project will also redevelop a formerly polluted site, and the construction will be 100 percent union-built, according to the release. A proposed pedestrian bridge across Broadway will allow safe access to the casino and theater without disrupting traffic flow, it says.

However, Van Campen noted he is concerned about traffic, congestion, and the location and feasibility of the proposed commuter rail stop. 

“As someone who inherited this deal, I’m also inheriting its challenges,” he said.

“As mayor, my responsibility now is to push for solutions, accountability, and smart planning as this project moves forward so that growth strengthens our city rather than overwhelms it.”

DeMaria’s tenure

Van Campen unseated DeMaria in November, marking the end of his nearly two-decade tenure. DeMaria was instrumental in bringing the Encore casino to the city and was working to secure a professional soccer stadium.

But in his final years in office, he drew protests to City Hall, with residents wearing shirts reading “Dump DeMaria.”

DeMaria drew scrutiny over his $180,000 in longevity payments, which the Massachusetts State Inspector General found were questionably taken and hidden in the city’s budget. DeMaria has refused to return the money, denying any wrongdoing. 

DeMaria, in a statement on Monday, said the agreement with Wynn “reflects years of work to ensure that any future development delivers real benefits for Everett residents.”

He continued, “Throughout my time as Mayor, I have always been committed to bettering our city every single day.” 

Beth Treffeisen is a general assignment reporter for Boston.com, focusing on local news, crime, and business in the New England region.