(REVERE, MA - February 14, 2014) Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim leaders in Revere have called upon their respective communities to gather at the sanctuary of Immaculate Conception Parish at 1 PM on Sunday, February 16, for an ecumenical prayer gathering expected to draw hundreds of Revere residents.
“This is a gathering for all people of faith who are opposed to the casino” says Tim Bogertman, Associate Pastor of First Congregational Church in Revere. “It will be a time to pray, speak, and encourage others to stand against this disastrous casino plan that will negatively impact the lives of people living here.”
Friends of Revere (www.friendsofrevere.com) – a diverse group of pastors, priests and ministers representing various traditions, denominations and congregations in Revere – have called for Sunday’s gathering because they are deeply concerned about the impact of a casino in their community, what they describe as “a direct threat to the families and children who live in Revere.”
Pastor Nely Esturban of Betel Church in Revere says, “I want peace for the city of Revere. Let me tell you why – I love my kids, I love my city, and I don’t want to bring about the destruction of my city. We don’t need a casino here.”
In conversation with hundreds of congregants and parishioners, the ministers claim the casino is far from decided in the minds of people in Revere. “I thought the casino was a done deal,” explains Father George Szal of Immaculate Conception Church, “but then I began speaking with my parishioners and more than half of them are opposed to the casino. This is not a done deal at all.”
Members of Friends of Revere continue to lead their congregations, mosques and synagogues in what has been several weeks of prayer for positive future development in Revere, and they have also been preaching about the harmful effects that a casino will have in their neighborhood. Rabbi Joseph Berman, a founding member of Friends of Revere, explains his opposition to the casino in straightforward terms, “Casinos prey on the most vulnerable members of our communities, and they increase poverty, addiction, and crime.”
“Sunday’s ecumenical prayer gathering at Immaculate Conception is a time to declare that God has something better for this town than a casino,” says Pastor Bogertman, “and all are welcome.”
Source: Tim Bogertman, tbogertman@firstcongrevere.org,
Showing posts with label Revere. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Revere. Show all posts
Friday, February 14, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Presser at 3 pm today: EB & Revere Communities Unite On City Line to Oppose Mohegan Sun Casino at Suffolk Downs
Neighboring community groups to hold joint press conference on the Revere/Boston city line in advance of Mohegan Sun's presentation to Massachusetts Gaming Commission
BOSTON, MA (January 21, 2014) - Today Don't Gamble on Revere, a registered municipal ballot question committee organized to stop a casino at Suffolk Downs, and No Eastie Casino, will hold a joint press conference and public demonstration at 3pm on the Revere/East Boston city line to denounce the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's disregard for residents' clear "no" vote from 8,513 residents of Revere and East Boston in referendums on Nov. 5 and highlight the contents of a comment letter to be submitted to the Commission (MGC) in advance of its January 22 meeting with Mohegan Sun.
"A casino at Suffolk Downs is a casino at Suffolk Downs, and shifting this development a few feet over the city line into Revere doesn't change anything," said Matt Cameron, No Eastie Casino's volunteer legal counsel and an East Boston resident. "As anyone who is familiar with this unique site must recognize, the city of Boston is now being forced to host a guest that we have already dis-invited."
"As knowledge of traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems due to casinos come to light, Revere opposition to a casino at Suffolk Downs is growing," said Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don't Gamble on Revere. "The lack of a clear host community agreement to mitigate these impacts makes us doubt that the City of Revere and Suffolk Downs truly have Revere's interests in mind. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
In advance of the press conference, No Eastie Casino and Don't Gamble on Revere will submit a joint letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission registering their disapproval of the gaming application process and noting that more time is needed for Boston's new administration to make an informed decision.
"Mohegan Sun has filed an incomplete application with missing and outdated information, and is now trying to keep critical details relating to the site plan and their proposed land use confidential. This development will forever change the character and futures of East Boston and Revere, and we deserve to see everything that has already been made available to the Gaming Commission. " Cameron said.
For details on the press conference location, please contact Joe Catricala at 781-727-6099 or Celeste Myers at 617-913-3332.
About Don't Gamble on Revere
Don't Gamble on Revere is a group of citizens concerned about the future of Revere. We know that Revere has come a long way over the years and we don't want to lose all of the progress that we have made. We are an official municipal ballot question committee opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs and a united all-volunteer force standing against the proposed casino in Revere.
About No Eastie Casino
No Eastie Casino is a grassroots effort led by local, all-volunteer residents opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs. Our goal is to build a strong base of East Boston residents that represents the full diversity of our community; shares a common vision for a vibrant, healthy, family-friendly future for East Boston; and is united against a casino at Suffolk Downs.
Source:
Contacts: Joe Catricala & Celeste Myers
BOSTON, MA (January 21, 2014) - Today Don't Gamble on Revere, a registered municipal ballot question committee organized to stop a casino at Suffolk Downs, and No Eastie Casino, will hold a joint press conference and public demonstration at 3pm on the Revere/East Boston city line to denounce the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's disregard for residents' clear "no" vote from 8,513 residents of Revere and East Boston in referendums on Nov. 5 and highlight the contents of a comment letter to be submitted to the Commission (MGC) in advance of its January 22 meeting with Mohegan Sun.
"A casino at Suffolk Downs is a casino at Suffolk Downs, and shifting this development a few feet over the city line into Revere doesn't change anything," said Matt Cameron, No Eastie Casino's volunteer legal counsel and an East Boston resident. "As anyone who is familiar with this unique site must recognize, the city of Boston is now being forced to host a guest that we have already dis-invited."
"As knowledge of traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems due to casinos come to light, Revere opposition to a casino at Suffolk Downs is growing," said Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don't Gamble on Revere. "The lack of a clear host community agreement to mitigate these impacts makes us doubt that the City of Revere and Suffolk Downs truly have Revere's interests in mind. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
In advance of the press conference, No Eastie Casino and Don't Gamble on Revere will submit a joint letter to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission registering their disapproval of the gaming application process and noting that more time is needed for Boston's new administration to make an informed decision.
"Mohegan Sun has filed an incomplete application with missing and outdated information, and is now trying to keep critical details relating to the site plan and their proposed land use confidential. This development will forever change the character and futures of East Boston and Revere, and we deserve to see everything that has already been made available to the Gaming Commission. " Cameron said.
For details on the press conference location, please contact Joe Catricala at 781-727-6099 or Celeste Myers at 617-913-3332.
About Don't Gamble on Revere
Don't Gamble on Revere is a group of citizens concerned about the future of Revere. We know that Revere has come a long way over the years and we don't want to lose all of the progress that we have made. We are an official municipal ballot question committee opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs and a united all-volunteer force standing against the proposed casino in Revere.
About No Eastie Casino
No Eastie Casino is a grassroots effort led by local, all-volunteer residents opposed to the casino at Suffolk Downs. Our goal is to build a strong base of East Boston residents that represents the full diversity of our community; shares a common vision for a vibrant, healthy, family-friendly future for East Boston; and is united against a casino at Suffolk Downs.
Source:
Contacts: Joe Catricala & Celeste Myers
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Walsh Response to MGC: City will protect Eastie, C-Town residents
City of Boston Files Petitions with Mass. Gaming Commission, Preserves City’s Rights to Both Host and Surrounding Community Status, Compels Information Sharing with Communities
Action Required to Meet Tonight’s Gaming Commission Deadline; Mayor Walsh Reaffirms Commitment to Protect the Interests of the Residents of Charlestown, East Boston and the City of Boston
The City of Boston today petitioned the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in order to preserve the interests of the City, its residents, businesses and visitors, in the development of proposed Mohegan Sun and Wynn resort destination casinos. The petition preserves the City’s right to assert host community status for both proposals, without waiving its rights to surrounding community status. The petition also asks the Gaming Commission to compel both proponents to share information with the communities that would be most impacted by their proposals.
“We believe this unrestricted route is the best path forward to protect the residents of East Boston and Charlestown, and the City of Boston as a whole,” Mayor Walsh said. “These applicants must have a more open dialogue with the people of Boston, particularly those neighborhoods that will be most impacted. At any time, if the facts indicate that Boston is a host city, we preserve its right to withdraw from surrounding community negotiations.”
The City also petitioned the Gaming Commission, in part, to reconsider its previous denial of Boston’s request for an extension. On Thursday, January 9, the City requested an extension of 30 days from the Commission deadline, in order to review 43,000 pages of documents provided to the City with just five business days to review. The vast majority of the documents were provided to the City for the first time and warrant careful review and analysis. The City’s reasonable request for an extension was denied by the Gaming Commission on the afternoon of Friday, January 10. The City had requested the extension in order to review and assess the documents; request and obtain additional information, clarification and supplementation of the filings; and to receive detailed input from the proponents.
While preserving its rights to host status, the City’s Petition also asked the Gaming Commission to have both the Wynn and Mohegan Sun applicants supplement their filings with the Commission, and if they fail to do that, for the Commission to designate Boston a surrounding community.
The petition also asked the Gaming Commission to compel both Mohegan Sun and Wynn to cooperate fully with the City, providing any and all information requested by the City so that it may best evaluate its status as host or surrounding community and properly evaluate the two proposals in relation to the City.
-30-
Source: Mayor's Office
Action Required to Meet Tonight’s Gaming Commission Deadline; Mayor Walsh Reaffirms Commitment to Protect the Interests of the Residents of Charlestown, East Boston and the City of Boston
The City of Boston today petitioned the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in order to preserve the interests of the City, its residents, businesses and visitors, in the development of proposed Mohegan Sun and Wynn resort destination casinos. The petition preserves the City’s right to assert host community status for both proposals, without waiving its rights to surrounding community status. The petition also asks the Gaming Commission to compel both proponents to share information with the communities that would be most impacted by their proposals.
“We believe this unrestricted route is the best path forward to protect the residents of East Boston and Charlestown, and the City of Boston as a whole,” Mayor Walsh said. “These applicants must have a more open dialogue with the people of Boston, particularly those neighborhoods that will be most impacted. At any time, if the facts indicate that Boston is a host city, we preserve its right to withdraw from surrounding community negotiations.”
The City also petitioned the Gaming Commission, in part, to reconsider its previous denial of Boston’s request for an extension. On Thursday, January 9, the City requested an extension of 30 days from the Commission deadline, in order to review 43,000 pages of documents provided to the City with just five business days to review. The vast majority of the documents were provided to the City for the first time and warrant careful review and analysis. The City’s reasonable request for an extension was denied by the Gaming Commission on the afternoon of Friday, January 10. The City had requested the extension in order to review and assess the documents; request and obtain additional information, clarification and supplementation of the filings; and to receive detailed input from the proponents.
While preserving its rights to host status, the City’s Petition also asked the Gaming Commission to have both the Wynn and Mohegan Sun applicants supplement their filings with the Commission, and if they fail to do that, for the Commission to designate Boston a surrounding community.
The petition also asked the Gaming Commission to compel both Mohegan Sun and Wynn to cooperate fully with the City, providing any and all information requested by the City so that it may best evaluate its status as host or surrounding community and properly evaluate the two proposals in relation to the City.
-30-
Source: Mayor's Office
Sunday, January 12, 2014
News: Revere Residents Unite to Oppose Rushed, Harmful Mohegan Casino
This just in from Don't Gamble on Revere, the group organizing opposition to the Revere casino on the upcoming vote in Revere.
Source: Don't Gamble on Revere 1/12/2014
Revere Residents Unite to Oppose Rushed, Harmful Mohegan Casino
Revere, MA – Revere residents who are opposed to the proposed Mohegan Sun casino at Suffolk Downs have joined together to form the group, “Don’t Gamble on Revere,” a volunteer-led official ballot question committee asserting that residents of the historic, family-oriented city should always have a say in what happens to the future of their community. The group exists to convince Revere neighbors that voting NO at the Feb. 25 referendum will protect Revere from the invasion of a major corporation that would dictate a future that best suits its own gains rather than considering Revere’s.
"We’re gaining support daily from Revere residents who are opposed to the casino," says Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don’t Gamble on Revere, "Many residents are concerned about how a casino in their backyards could impact their families. I’ve heard a number of residents say they would move out of Revere if a casino comes. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
Specifically, Catricala points to impacts such as increased traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems as reasons to oppose the development. Additionally, the group believes the arrival of a casino will decrease property values and raise taxes.
"The host community agreement does not provide the city with enough money to pay for the impact a casino will have on Revere," Catricala adds. "The proposed casino will kill the local economy by removing jobs and cause local businesses to close. When residents begin to gamble their paychecks away at the proposed casino, how will they have any money left to spend on the local economy?"
Don’t Gamble on Revere points to casinos elsewhere whose intent is to keep customers on-site rather than encouraging them to visit local businesses. Revere’s Broadway businesses cannot compete with the proposed casino’s glitzy restaurants, spas, and shops, the group says.
As the Feb. 25 vote approaches, Revere casino opposition is gaining momentum. Don’t Gamble on Revere leadership say the group will reach out to voters through telephone calls, mailings, door-to-door visits, and informative community events. Numerous families have put up "vote no" signs in yards and windows, and volunteer meetings occur each Tuesday at 6:30 PM until the day of the vote.
"Don’t Gamble on Revere is concerned about the future generation of Revere," says Don’t Gamble on Revere spokesperson Catricala. "We agree with casino backers that Revere needs revitalization, jobs, and additional funding to improve community services, but the difference lies in the solution. A casino is not the answer to improving the city of Revere. The long-term effects far outweigh any short-term benefits that a casino could bring to Revere. It is not worth it. Revere can do better."
Source: Don't Gamble on Revere 1/12/2014
Revere Residents Unite to Oppose Rushed, Harmful Mohegan Casino
Revere, MA – Revere residents who are opposed to the proposed Mohegan Sun casino at Suffolk Downs have joined together to form the group, “Don’t Gamble on Revere,” a volunteer-led official ballot question committee asserting that residents of the historic, family-oriented city should always have a say in what happens to the future of their community. The group exists to convince Revere neighbors that voting NO at the Feb. 25 referendum will protect Revere from the invasion of a major corporation that would dictate a future that best suits its own gains rather than considering Revere’s.
"We’re gaining support daily from Revere residents who are opposed to the casino," says Joseph Catricala, spokesperson for Don’t Gamble on Revere, "Many residents are concerned about how a casino in their backyards could impact their families. I’ve heard a number of residents say they would move out of Revere if a casino comes. We are very concerned a casino will bleed our community dry."
Specifically, Catricala points to impacts such as increased traffic, pollution, crime, and numerous other social problems as reasons to oppose the development. Additionally, the group believes the arrival of a casino will decrease property values and raise taxes.
"The host community agreement does not provide the city with enough money to pay for the impact a casino will have on Revere," Catricala adds. "The proposed casino will kill the local economy by removing jobs and cause local businesses to close. When residents begin to gamble their paychecks away at the proposed casino, how will they have any money left to spend on the local economy?"
Don’t Gamble on Revere points to casinos elsewhere whose intent is to keep customers on-site rather than encouraging them to visit local businesses. Revere’s Broadway businesses cannot compete with the proposed casino’s glitzy restaurants, spas, and shops, the group says.
As the Feb. 25 vote approaches, Revere casino opposition is gaining momentum. Don’t Gamble on Revere leadership say the group will reach out to voters through telephone calls, mailings, door-to-door visits, and informative community events. Numerous families have put up "vote no" signs in yards and windows, and volunteer meetings occur each Tuesday at 6:30 PM until the day of the vote.
"Don’t Gamble on Revere is concerned about the future generation of Revere," says Don’t Gamble on Revere spokesperson Catricala. "We agree with casino backers that Revere needs revitalization, jobs, and additional funding to improve community services, but the difference lies in the solution. A casino is not the answer to improving the city of Revere. The long-term effects far outweigh any short-term benefits that a casino could bring to Revere. It is not worth it. Revere can do better."
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
This just in: No Eastie Casino: Tuesday's vote demonstrates we deserve better than a casino
(Editor's Note: The mayor of Revere doesn't think the Suffolk Downs casino debate is over; No Eastie Casino keeps fighting Rizzo's illusions)
(Boston - November 6, 2013) -- "We are pleased with the results of Tuesday's election. East Boston voters went to the polls and emphatically stated that they don't believe the promises put forth by wealthy casino developers. To the prospect of one of the hemisphere's largest casinos -- yet another burdensome development in our neighborhood - Eastie residents said, 'No - enough is enough.'"
"Our campaign began with two primary goals: to defeat the proposed casino, and to do so in a way that elevated the discussion about what is possible in our community and remove the barriers that have kept many of us apart for too long. Together, we organized, strategized, researched, canvassed, and reached out to our neighbors, small businesses, and communities of faith. Our movement is led by women and men across all faiths, income and education levels, ages, professions, nationalities, newcomers to East Boston and 'old-timers.'"
"We are deeply disappointed and concerned that, within minutes of finding out that voters in East Boston had resoundingly rejected Suffolk Downs' casino proposal, its wealthy owners and investors were already mobilizing to find a way around the voice of the people and Massachusetts gambling law." "It is clear upon review of the statute that the casino referendum needed to pass in both East Boston and Revere in order for the developers to move forward. East Boston's voters have spoken: we do not want a casino in our community. We renew our call for Suffolk Downs' owners and board members to withdraw."
"We believe that this last-ditch attempt by Suffolk Downs developers to move the goalposts after the vote shows that casino owners will continue to put profits before people. For these reasons, many members of No Eastie Casino have been working with the grassroots group Repeal the Casino Deal to repeal the gambling law by putting it to a statewide vote in 2014."
"We are prepared to continue our work to keep East Boston a vibrant, welcoming community for families and small businesses where equitable economic development--not development that preys on middle-income, working class and low-income families--is encouraged. We call upon the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to follow the law. We respectfully request that Mayor Menino, Mayor-elect Walsh and the City Council take East Boston's resounding 'no' for an answer on the casino question, protecting it from casinos in surrounding communities as well."
(Boston - November 6, 2013) -- "We are pleased with the results of Tuesday's election. East Boston voters went to the polls and emphatically stated that they don't believe the promises put forth by wealthy casino developers. To the prospect of one of the hemisphere's largest casinos -- yet another burdensome development in our neighborhood - Eastie residents said, 'No - enough is enough.'"
"Our campaign began with two primary goals: to defeat the proposed casino, and to do so in a way that elevated the discussion about what is possible in our community and remove the barriers that have kept many of us apart for too long. Together, we organized, strategized, researched, canvassed, and reached out to our neighbors, small businesses, and communities of faith. Our movement is led by women and men across all faiths, income and education levels, ages, professions, nationalities, newcomers to East Boston and 'old-timers.'"
"We are deeply disappointed and concerned that, within minutes of finding out that voters in East Boston had resoundingly rejected Suffolk Downs' casino proposal, its wealthy owners and investors were already mobilizing to find a way around the voice of the people and Massachusetts gambling law." "It is clear upon review of the statute that the casino referendum needed to pass in both East Boston and Revere in order for the developers to move forward. East Boston's voters have spoken: we do not want a casino in our community. We renew our call for Suffolk Downs' owners and board members to withdraw."
"We believe that this last-ditch attempt by Suffolk Downs developers to move the goalposts after the vote shows that casino owners will continue to put profits before people. For these reasons, many members of No Eastie Casino have been working with the grassroots group Repeal the Casino Deal to repeal the gambling law by putting it to a statewide vote in 2014."
"We are prepared to continue our work to keep East Boston a vibrant, welcoming community for families and small businesses where equitable economic development--not development that preys on middle-income, working class and low-income families--is encouraged. We call upon the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to follow the law. We respectfully request that Mayor Menino, Mayor-elect Walsh and the City Council take East Boston's resounding 'no' for an answer on the casino question, protecting it from casinos in surrounding communities as well."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)