This just in from Corner Stalk Farm;
30+ Small Businesses to Sell Locally Produced Items Starting in July
BOSTON — The Boston Public Market today announced the first round of small businesses, including one from East Boston, who will sell locally produced goods in the new permanent, year-round market on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway directly above the Haymarket MBTA station. Starting in July, the 28,000-square-foot Market will house over 30 permanent, year-round vendors selling locally produced items such as farm fresh produce; meat and poultry; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods.
"We've been farming in East Boston for two years now and can't wait to start sharing our fresh local greens and herbs with the people of Boston," said Shawn Cooney, co-owner of Corner Stalk Farm, which grows standard and specialty leafy greens and herbs in recycled shipping containers. The Boston Public market is the perfect place for us to reach as many consumers as possible with the freshest produce in Boston."
The initial vendors announced today include farmers, fisherman, and food producers from Massachusetts and throughout New England, including Corner Stalk Farm in East Boston. The Boston Public Market will be the only locally-sourced market of its kind in the United States. Everything sold at the Market will be produced or originate in New England.
"The Boston Public Market will showcase the best of what Boston's local economy has to offer," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "These vendors represent the small businesses that fuel our economy, and will serve as a tremendous resource for our residents and visitors in downtown Boston."
The Boston Public Market will provide individuals with year-round access to locally produced, fresh food," said Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Matthew Beaton. It is the goal of the Baker-Polito administration and EEA to make fresh produce available to all Commonwealth residents. I am pleased the market will join the ranks of Massachusetts' more than 290 farmers markets, 40 of which are winter farmers markets, and its Community Supported Agriculture farms, farm stands, and pick-your-own operations."
"A year round public market, like BPM, that features farm fresh Massachusetts products will not only strengthen our growing agricultural economy, it will also garner additional consumer demand for nutritious, locally grown and produced food," said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. "Massachusetts is already a leader in direct market sales, ranked 5th in the U.S. Our farmers and food producers not only provide us with the best possible products all year round, they also preserve over 523,000 acres of open space, employee 28,000 workers and generate $492 million dollars for the Massachusetts economy."
Since 2007 Massachusetts' participation in community supported agriculture (CSA) has nearly doubled and agri-tourism sales have grown 127%. While nationally the U.S. witnessed a decline in agriculture from 2007 to 2012, Massachusetts was one of the few states that experienced growth in both number of farms and acres of farmland.
Our goal is to connect all residents of Boston with the best New England has to offer, and our vendors are at the heart of what we do," said Elizabeth Morningstar, CEO of the Boston Public Market. "These small businesses and food entrepreneurs have incredible experience growing and producing locally, and the multitude of flavors, colors, and stories they bring to the market is simply astounding."
The Market will span the ground floor of 136 Blackstone Street, which also contains the Boston RMV branch, entrances to the Haymarket MBTA station, vent stacks for the Interstate-93 tunnel, and a parking garage. The Market is located in downtown Boston's emerging Market District, next to the Haymarket pushcart vendors and the historic Blackstone Block.
"We're incredibly excited about this first group of vendors," said Tiffani Emig, the Boston Public Market's Market Manager. Some will be familiar to customers who have shopped at our seasonal markets on the Greenway, and some will be brand new. We can't wait for the people of Boston to meet them all."
The Boston Public Market has partnered with several organizations in Boston's growing entrepreneurial food community to help prepare vendors to sell their goods at the market. Several vendors, along with other local small food businesses, participated over the past six months in Interise's award-winning StreetWise 'MBA'" program aimed at growing jobs and creating more revenue. Vendors also received access to hands-on food production training and shared kitchen facilities at Crop Circle Kitchen's Pearl Food Production Small Business Center.
"I've known for a while that I have to change my business model from wholesale grower to farmer-florist," said Barbara Rietscha, owner of Stow Greenhouses in Stow, MA. "The StreetWise 'MBA'" program gave me the knowledge - and the courage - to make the change. Hearing about the real life experiences of both the mentors and my classmates has been invaluable."
The Boston Public Market will feature a diverse offering of programs designed to highlight regional culinary traditions and local food production, as well as inspire healthy eating and creative cooking among families and individuals. The Trustees of Reservations is the lead programming partner and will manage and staff a teaching kitchen in the heart of the market, working with other non-profit organizations and for-profit partners to offer exciting classes, demonstrations, and other programs.
The initial round of vendors can be found at www.bostonpublicmarket.org/vendors. Additional vendors will be announced over the coming months.
###
The Boston Public Market will be a 28,000 square foot permanent, year-round, self-sustaining market that provides fresh local food to consumers from all income levels and nourishes our community. It will be a civic resource, educating the public about food sources, nutrition, and preparation.
At the market, farmers, fishermen, and food producers from Massachusetts and throughout New England will offer the public a year-round source of fresh local food and an opportunity to taste, buy, and understand what our region has to offer. The market will house over 40 vendors selling locally produced items such as farm-fresh produce, meat and poultry, eggs, milk and cheese, fish and shellfish, bread and baked goods, flowers, and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods. The Boston Public Market will be the only locally-sourced market of its kind in the United States.
For more information and to follow the progress of the market, visit us at www.bostonpublicmarket.org.
Showing posts with label EBDOTCOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EBDOTCOM. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Festival Italia set for August 22 and August 23 in Wakefield
(WAKEFIELD, MA, July 30, 2014) Festival Italia, a two-day community-wide event, will be held on Friday evening August 22 and Saturday afternoon August 23, 2014.
Friday, August 22nd 6:00 pm at the Sheraton Colonial North Hotel located on Audubon Road in Wakefield: You will experience an evening of fine cuisine provided by top area restaurants along with a cash bar, dessert table, music, dancing, raffles and a door prize. This is 21+ event, and tickets can be purchased at the Wakefield Daily Item (Mon – Fri) and Smith’s Drug (Mon – Sat). This event was sold out last year.
Saturday August 23rd 2:00-8:00 pm in downtown Wakefield (portions of Main St. and Albion St. will be closed to traffic): Downtown Wakefield will become Little Italy. The Event Planning Committee (EPC), organizers of this annual event, promises the vibe of an authentic Italian neighborhood street festival without having to leave Wakefield. There will be food from local eateries, street vendors, entertainment, four live bands, beer garden, wine vineyard, meatball contest, shopping, and a host of children’s activities.
Go to www.wakefieldepc.com to view updates on the event.
Friday, August 22nd 6:00 pm at the Sheraton Colonial North Hotel located on Audubon Road in Wakefield: You will experience an evening of fine cuisine provided by top area restaurants along with a cash bar, dessert table, music, dancing, raffles and a door prize. This is 21+ event, and tickets can be purchased at the Wakefield Daily Item (Mon – Fri) and Smith’s Drug (Mon – Sat). This event was sold out last year.
Saturday August 23rd 2:00-8:00 pm in downtown Wakefield (portions of Main St. and Albion St. will be closed to traffic): Downtown Wakefield will become Little Italy. The Event Planning Committee (EPC), organizers of this annual event, promises the vibe of an authentic Italian neighborhood street festival without having to leave Wakefield. There will be food from local eateries, street vendors, entertainment, four live bands, beer garden, wine vineyard, meatball contest, shopping, and a host of children’s activities.
Go to www.wakefieldepc.com to view updates on the event.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
June 28: Freedoms Foundation to Install New Officers and Members, Honor High School Students during Annual Meeting in East Boston
(East Boston, June 10, 2014) The Bay State Chapter of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge will host its Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 28, starting at 12:30 p.m. in Spinelli’s Function Hall, Day Square, East Boston.
The meeting will feature the installation of new officers, board directors and new members for the 2014-15 chapter year and a chapter business meeting.
The meeting will also feature a video report on the Youth Leadership Conference to the Freedoms Foundation campus in Valley Forge, PA back in April, which was attended by 10 high school juniors sponsored by the Bay State Chapter and its members.
Those students, from East Boston High School, Boston Latin School, Revere High School and Winthrop High School, will be honored for their efforts.
To RSVP for the annual meeting or for more information on the Bay State Chapter, contact Freedoms Foundation Executive Director Joseph Ferrino Sr. at 617-846-2122. Lunch will be served during the meeting.
The meeting will feature the installation of new officers, board directors and new members for the 2014-15 chapter year and a chapter business meeting.
The meeting will also feature a video report on the Youth Leadership Conference to the Freedoms Foundation campus in Valley Forge, PA back in April, which was attended by 10 high school juniors sponsored by the Bay State Chapter and its members.
Those students, from East Boston High School, Boston Latin School, Revere High School and Winthrop High School, will be honored for their efforts.
To RSVP for the annual meeting or for more information on the Bay State Chapter, contact Freedoms Foundation Executive Director Joseph Ferrino Sr. at 617-846-2122. Lunch will be served during the meeting.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
City Hall: Schools to be closed 2/5: Snow Emergency and Parking Ban in Effect Tonight (2/4) at 11PM
Boston Public Schools Closed Tomorrow
Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced City response plans for the winter storm expected to begin early tomorrow morning. The Mayor has declared a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban for the City of Boston, in effect tonight, Tuesday, February 4, at 11:00 p.m. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5. City Hall will be open for business as usual.
“Our team is ready for this storm,” Mayor Walsh said. “We’re expecting a very difficult morning commute, and for that reason we’re urging everyone to use public transportation to travel in and around the city tomorrow."
National Weather Service has declared a Winter Weather Warning in effect for the City of Boston from midnight through 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. Latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in 6 to 10 inches of snow in Boston, with heaviest snow fall beginning at 6 a.m, at a rate of an inch an hour. Another significant storm is expected for this weekend, and dropping temperatures are forecast, emphasizing the importance for Public Works crews to get as close to the curb as possible in their snow clearing during tomorrow’s storm.
All Boston Centers for Youth & Families centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Children ages 7 and older are welcome, and any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off to fill out a short intake form.
During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Discounted parking is available starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp.
Public Works
Public Works teams will begin pre-treating roads at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Crews are prepared for the snow event, and will have more than 500 pieces of equipment active on City streets by 6 a.m.
Regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection will begin one hour early, at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Transportation
During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs. A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.
On streets other than major arteries, parking within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb is prohibited, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.
Public Safety
Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston EMS will have additional staff on hand throughout the duration of storm.
Boston Police will be posted at major intersections during tomorrow’s morning and evening commute to assist with traffic flow.
The City's Emergency Operations Center has been activated and staffed with all relevant City departments.
Cold Weather Safety Reminders
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Residents should clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car and ensure that external vents are cleared of snow. If you are using a generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from the home.
To protect against forecasted cold temperatures, people should layer clothing and minimize outdoor activity. Over a dozen people in Boston suffered injuries related to hypothermia during the last extreme cold weather snap.
The City's homeless shelters have activated emergency procedures. The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.
Property owners are required to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice.
Shoveling snow can pose a serious health safety risk to persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Residents should consider seeking the assistance of a family member, a helpful neighbor or hire someone to help.
Additional cold weather safety tips can be found at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.
The Mayor's 24-Hour Hotline will have additional staff on-hand and residents with weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines, down trees or icy conditions, should call (617) 635-4500.
Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. To receive notifications, register for the City’s Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/. For updates & questions via Twitter, use @NotifyBoston, follow #bosnow.
Source: Mayor's Press Office
Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced City response plans for the winter storm expected to begin early tomorrow morning. The Mayor has declared a Snow Emergency and Parking Ban for the City of Boston, in effect tonight, Tuesday, February 4, at 11:00 p.m. Boston Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 5. City Hall will be open for business as usual.
“Our team is ready for this storm,” Mayor Walsh said. “We’re expecting a very difficult morning commute, and for that reason we’re urging everyone to use public transportation to travel in and around the city tomorrow."
National Weather Service has declared a Winter Weather Warning in effect for the City of Boston from midnight through 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. Latest forecasts indicate the storm is expected to result in 6 to 10 inches of snow in Boston, with heaviest snow fall beginning at 6 a.m, at a rate of an inch an hour. Another significant storm is expected for this weekend, and dropping temperatures are forecast, emphasizing the importance for Public Works crews to get as close to the curb as possible in their snow clearing during tomorrow’s storm.
All Boston Centers for Youth & Families centers will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow. Children ages 7 and older are welcome, and any child under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult at drop-off to fill out a short intake form.
During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at several parking lots and garages to cars that display Boston resident parking stickers. Discounted parking is available starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight: http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parkingmap.asp.
Public Works
Public Works teams will begin pre-treating roads at 4:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.
Crews are prepared for the snow event, and will have more than 500 pieces of equipment active on City streets by 6 a.m.
Regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection will begin one hour early, at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Transportation
During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on all major arteries in Boston. These streets are posted with “Tow Zone No Parking During Snow Emergency” signs. A listing of major arteries and alternate parking can be found at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/parking/.
On streets other than major arteries, parking within 20 feet of an intersection or further than one foot from the curb is prohibited, as this impedes access for both emergency vehicles and snow plows.
Public Safety
Boston Police, Boston Fire, and Boston EMS will have additional staff on hand throughout the duration of storm.
Boston Police will be posted at major intersections during tomorrow’s morning and evening commute to assist with traffic flow.
The City's Emergency Operations Center has been activated and staffed with all relevant City departments.
Cold Weather Safety Reminders
Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and tasteless gas that results from combustion and can quickly become fatal. Residents should clear snow and debris away from mufflers before starting the car and ensure that external vents are cleared of snow. If you are using a generator, make sure it is far enough away to vent air and gases away from the home.
To protect against forecasted cold temperatures, people should layer clothing and minimize outdoor activity. Over a dozen people in Boston suffered injuries related to hypothermia during the last extreme cold weather snap.
The City's homeless shelters have activated emergency procedures. The City's Shelter Commission asks that any resident who sees a potential medical emergency involving a homeless person dial 9-1-1.
Property owners are required to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.
Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice.
Shoveling snow can pose a serious health safety risk to persons with heart disease and senior citizens. Residents should consider seeking the assistance of a family member, a helpful neighbor or hire someone to help.
Additional cold weather safety tips can be found at: http://www.cityofboston.gov/cold/safety.asp.
The Mayor's 24-Hour Hotline will have additional staff on-hand and residents with weather-related questions or concerns, including down power lines, down trees or icy conditions, should call (617) 635-4500.
Residents are encouraged to use the City’s “Know Snow” program for access to other important storm-related information. To receive notifications, register for the City’s Alert Boston network at http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/. For updates & questions via Twitter, use @NotifyBoston, follow #bosnow.
Source: Mayor's Press Office
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
East Boston Main Streets Proudly Presents the 18th Annual Taste of Eastie
On Tuesday, January 21st 2014 East Boston Main Streets will host the 18th Annual Taste of Eastie.
East Boston, MA, 12 January-2014 East Boston Main Streets will host the 18th Annual Taste of Eastie at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport on Tuesday, January 21st 2014 from 6:00-9:00pm. Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening including raffles and auctions. Thirty local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, Italy and Australia.
Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased online at TasteOfEastie2014.eventbrite.com or in person at MP&CO or the Main Streets office at 146 Maverick Street.
About East Boston Main Streets. EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create vibrant business districts by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts that improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.
East Boston, MA, 12 January-2014 East Boston Main Streets will host the 18th Annual Taste of Eastie at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport on Tuesday, January 21st 2014 from 6:00-9:00pm. Food and fun highlight this wonderful evening including raffles and auctions. Thirty local food merchants will showcase their delicious cuisine, including tastes from South and Central America, the Mediterranean, China, the Middle East, Italy and Australia.
Tickets are $35.00 and can be purchased online at TasteOfEastie2014.eventbrite.com or in person at MP&CO or the Main Streets office at 146 Maverick Street.
About East Boston Main Streets. EBMS is a non-profit corporation. Our mission is to create vibrant business districts by initiating private and public improvements, promoting commerce, and supporting efforts that improve the quality of life for all who live, work and do business in East Boston.
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Sen. Petruccelli's letter to gaming commission on the "Revere" plan
Just in to eastboston.com.
The two-page letter from state Senator Anthony Petruccelli to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Suffolk Downs' Revere-only proposal. Related story can be found here.
November 20, 2013
Stephen Crosby, Chairman
Massachusetts Gaming Commission
84 State Street, Suite 720
Boston, MA 02109
Dear Chairman Crosby and Commissioners:
On behalf of my constituents of the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, I write today to express my increasing concern over recent efforts by Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC (“Sterling Suffolk”) to proceed with the resort casino development originally proposed for the 161-acre land parcel at Suffolk Downs in East Boston (the “Project”). In a letter to the Commission, dated November 13, 2013, Sterling Suffolk expressed their intentions to move forward with the Project despite the unsuccessful ballot question in East Boston. Indeed, Sterling Suffolk has proposed to modify the Project’s development plan so that it fits entirely within the 52-acre Revere parcel at Suffolk Downs. To do so, in my opinion, undermines the spirit and intent of the Commonwealth’s Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 (the “Gaming Act”).
When the State Legislature crafted and passed the Gaming Act, my colleagues and I carefully drafted provisions pertaining to host community agreements and the conduct of an election. M.G.L. c.23K, §15 specifically requires an applicant, as a prerequisite to filing an RFA-2 application (“Phase 2”), to receive a certified and binding vote on a ballot question at an election in the host community. (See also 205 CMR 124.00.) Also, where a proposed gaming establishment is situated in more than one community, as is the case with the Project:
The applicant shall execute an agreement with each host community, or a joint agreement with both communities, and receive a certified and binding vote on a ballot question at an election held in each host community in favor of such a license. M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13).
Taken together, the intent of these provisions is clear. Only favorable referendum results in both host communities allow the applicant to proceed to Phase 2. That did not happen with Sterling Suffolk’s Project. Because one host community voted in the negative, the Project proposed for Suffolk Downs is dead. If Sterling Suffolk wishes to proceed with an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel, then under the terms of the Gaming Act:
[They] shall not submit a new request to the governing body within 180 days of the last election; and provided further, that a new request shall be accompanied by an agreement between the applicant and host community signed after the previous election. M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13).
However, in their November 13th letter to the Commission, Sterling Suffolk asserted that, regardless of the November 5th election results, Revere’s host community agreement remains in effect and need only be modified to reflect a shift to Suffolk Down’s Revere parcel. Sterling Suffolk does not interpret the referendums to have been votes about the Project (and host community agreements) itself; rather they view the referendums as votes on whether Suffolk Down could be developed for a casino at all.
While it is true that Revere and East Boston voted on land use, it is also unquestionable that the host community agreements were essential to the voting process. All ballots required, and did in fact contain, “a fair, concise summary of the host community agreement.” 205 CMR 124.05. My colleagues and I in the Legislature recognized that it was imperative to ensure that Massachusetts residents in an impacted community have adequate notice of, and be well-informed about, any casino proposal prior to voting. Accordingly, the Gaming Act specifically requires a host community agreement to be made public, and that host and surrounding communities have ample opportunity to weigh the potential impacts on local businesses, traffic, jobs, as well as public safety.
Furthermore, it is false to argue that an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel is anything but a new proposal, which would require a new host community agreement and referendum under the provisions of M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13). Any proposed project development on the Revere parcel would undoubtedly look very different from that which voters reviewed prior to November 5th. Buildings and parking lots would need to be relocated, not to mention the racetrack and stables. Such changes materially alter the Project as it was initially proposed. In effect, this undermine the Gaming Act’s requirements for transparency and notice that ensure members of the impacted communities, including myself, have adequate time to weigh the merits of a proposal.
I understand why Sterling Suffolk wishes to pursue an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel. As an organization, they’ve invested a great deal of time, effort, and money to see the Suffolk Downs Project to fruition. I, too, was disappointed that the Project failed to receive the two affirmative referendum results needed to proceed to Phase 2. I believed, and still believe, that a casino has great potential to rejuvenate communities within my District. Nevertheless, the Commission cannot allow a gaming applicant to circumvent the process required by the Gaming Act merely because the results were disappointing.
I appreciate the opportunity to state my position to the Commission, and request the Commission’s clarification on the status of Sterling Suffolk’s application. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at my office.
Sincerely,
ANTHONY PETRUCCELLI
State Senator
First Suffolk and Middlesex District
The two-page letter from state Senator Anthony Petruccelli to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission on Suffolk Downs' Revere-only proposal. Related story can be found here.
November 20, 2013
Stephen Crosby, Chairman
Massachusetts Gaming Commission
84 State Street, Suite 720
Boston, MA 02109
Dear Chairman Crosby and Commissioners:
On behalf of my constituents of the First Suffolk and Middlesex District, I write today to express my increasing concern over recent efforts by Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, LLC (“Sterling Suffolk”) to proceed with the resort casino development originally proposed for the 161-acre land parcel at Suffolk Downs in East Boston (the “Project”). In a letter to the Commission, dated November 13, 2013, Sterling Suffolk expressed their intentions to move forward with the Project despite the unsuccessful ballot question in East Boston. Indeed, Sterling Suffolk has proposed to modify the Project’s development plan so that it fits entirely within the 52-acre Revere parcel at Suffolk Downs. To do so, in my opinion, undermines the spirit and intent of the Commonwealth’s Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 (the “Gaming Act”).
When the State Legislature crafted and passed the Gaming Act, my colleagues and I carefully drafted provisions pertaining to host community agreements and the conduct of an election. M.G.L. c.23K, §15 specifically requires an applicant, as a prerequisite to filing an RFA-2 application (“Phase 2”), to receive a certified and binding vote on a ballot question at an election in the host community. (See also 205 CMR 124.00.) Also, where a proposed gaming establishment is situated in more than one community, as is the case with the Project:
The applicant shall execute an agreement with each host community, or a joint agreement with both communities, and receive a certified and binding vote on a ballot question at an election held in each host community in favor of such a license. M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13).
Taken together, the intent of these provisions is clear. Only favorable referendum results in both host communities allow the applicant to proceed to Phase 2. That did not happen with Sterling Suffolk’s Project. Because one host community voted in the negative, the Project proposed for Suffolk Downs is dead. If Sterling Suffolk wishes to proceed with an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel, then under the terms of the Gaming Act:
[They] shall not submit a new request to the governing body within 180 days of the last election; and provided further, that a new request shall be accompanied by an agreement between the applicant and host community signed after the previous election. M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13).
However, in their November 13th letter to the Commission, Sterling Suffolk asserted that, regardless of the November 5th election results, Revere’s host community agreement remains in effect and need only be modified to reflect a shift to Suffolk Down’s Revere parcel. Sterling Suffolk does not interpret the referendums to have been votes about the Project (and host community agreements) itself; rather they view the referendums as votes on whether Suffolk Down could be developed for a casino at all.
While it is true that Revere and East Boston voted on land use, it is also unquestionable that the host community agreements were essential to the voting process. All ballots required, and did in fact contain, “a fair, concise summary of the host community agreement.” 205 CMR 124.05. My colleagues and I in the Legislature recognized that it was imperative to ensure that Massachusetts residents in an impacted community have adequate notice of, and be well-informed about, any casino proposal prior to voting. Accordingly, the Gaming Act specifically requires a host community agreement to be made public, and that host and surrounding communities have ample opportunity to weigh the potential impacts on local businesses, traffic, jobs, as well as public safety.
Furthermore, it is false to argue that an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel is anything but a new proposal, which would require a new host community agreement and referendum under the provisions of M.G.L. c.23K, § 15(13). Any proposed project development on the Revere parcel would undoubtedly look very different from that which voters reviewed prior to November 5th. Buildings and parking lots would need to be relocated, not to mention the racetrack and stables. Such changes materially alter the Project as it was initially proposed. In effect, this undermine the Gaming Act’s requirements for transparency and notice that ensure members of the impacted communities, including myself, have adequate time to weigh the merits of a proposal.
I understand why Sterling Suffolk wishes to pursue an alternative development plan on the Revere parcel. As an organization, they’ve invested a great deal of time, effort, and money to see the Suffolk Downs Project to fruition. I, too, was disappointed that the Project failed to receive the two affirmative referendum results needed to proceed to Phase 2. I believed, and still believe, that a casino has great potential to rejuvenate communities within my District. Nevertheless, the Commission cannot allow a gaming applicant to circumvent the process required by the Gaming Act merely because the results were disappointing.
I appreciate the opportunity to state my position to the Commission, and request the Commission’s clarification on the status of Sterling Suffolk’s application. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at my office.
Sincerely,
ANTHONY PETRUCCELLI
State Senator
First Suffolk and Middlesex District
Saturday, October 19, 2013
East Boston resident calls upon Suffolk Downs to withdraw casino application
East Boston resident and casino opponent Ernani DeAraujo criticizes City of Boston for embracing SD casino proposal without "due diligence."
"According to the Boston Globe, Caesars was disqualified because of alleged mob ties overseas. I think the ownership of Suffolk Downs owes the City of Boston and especially the residents of East Boston an apology for not doing their due diligence in selecting their "world class" partner and for trying to yoke us to a casino operator that is engaging in allegedly unethical and criminal behavior. This is a complete embarrassment for our City that embraced Caesars on Suffolk's recommendation and Suffolk Downs should say sorry and withdraw their application to end this fiasco."
"According to the Boston Globe, Caesars was disqualified because of alleged mob ties overseas. I think the ownership of Suffolk Downs owes the City of Boston and especially the residents of East Boston an apology for not doing their due diligence in selecting their "world class" partner and for trying to yoke us to a casino operator that is engaging in allegedly unethical and criminal behavior. This is a complete embarrassment for our City that embraced Caesars on Suffolk's recommendation and Suffolk Downs should say sorry and withdraw their application to end this fiasco."
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