Wynn casino gets building permit from city of Everett

“The people of Everett have eagerly awaited this day for years,” said Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “This is a major milestone for Wynn and another positive step forward for Everett and beyond.”

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Earlier this year, crews were forced to stop work on the long-condemned site, including the removal of lead, arsenic and other contaminants, when the city of Somerville appealed the state’s approval of an environmental permit for the waterfront project

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The permit was never much in doubt for the massive project, which will include extensive environmental cleanup of the 33-acre site. But it signifies that Wynn is poised to begin construction of a 24-story curved-glass hotel and vast casino — if it manages to clear one last regulatory hurdle.

Earlier this year, crews were forced to stop work on the long-condemned site, including the removal of lead, arsenic and other contaminants, when the city of Somerville appealed the state’s approval of an environmental permit for the waterfront project.

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Officials say the casino will be the largest private single-phase development in the state’s history

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In the appeal, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone asserts that Wynn Resorts must do more to offset the casino’s environmental impact, particularly increased traffic, before the permit can become final.

A hearing for Somerville’s appeal is scheduled for June 2. The building permit triggered a $5 million payment from Wynn Resorts to Everett, the first installment of a $30 million commitment to be paid before the casino’s opening, now scheduled for late 2018.

Officials say the casino will be the largest private single-phase development in the state’s history.

“This is just the beginning of an economic rocket that will yield benefits to the city, and the region, for generations to come,” Robert DeSalvio, president of Wynn Everett, said in a statement.