Foxboro board nixes plan to smooth way for casino

More backroom deals!

Foxboro board nixes plan to smooth way for casino
By Chris Cassidy

Foxboro’s local Planning Board deep-sixed a proposal that would have allowed New England Patriots [team stats] owner Robert Kraft to exceed the town’s height restriction for new buildings on his property after skeptical residents argued it would have laid the groundwork for a casino.

A Kraft spokesman, however, said the proposal has been in the works for three years. A town official said the project was part of Kraft’s planned biotech park.

Residents who say their patience is tested during each Patriots home game teed off on a joint casino venture between Pats baron Robert Kraft and Vegas billionaire Steve Wynn during last night’s Planning Board meeting. “Gambling addiction just ruins people’s lives,” said resident Jeanne Lightbody. “I’ve traveled to places like Las Vegas and Mississippi, and I’ve seen human tragedies. I don’t want to look at that in Foxboro.”

Some locals fear a casino would spike traffic, crime and addiction, stripping away the community’s small-town character. But while many worried the casino would destroy Foxboro, some felt it could save it.

“I know how much debt the town is in,” said union carpenter Daniel Flynn. “We have the opportunity to stave off a fiscal calamity.” Flynn said union members could mount enough support to pass a referendum.

“I believe the majority has yet to be heard,” he said.

Another [uninformed] resident equated the prospect of a casino to “a money tree in our backyard.”

Before the meeting, sign-waving protesters stood outside the town middle school decrying the proposed casino that rocketed onto the scene only a week ago.

Helen J. Merigan, who’s lived in Foxboro for 57 years, said she worries about “drugs, prostitution. It puts the whole community in danger.” Opponents have formed a Facebook group called “No Foxboro Casino” and raised about $1,100 in the last week, according to treasurer Jen Keen.

Kraft and Wynn met with town officials Sunday and insisted they want to create a world-class facility. Some residents last night insisted nothing can change their minds. “It doesn’t matter what the proposal is,” said resident Richard Nolette. “What are they going to do, give everyone in Foxboro $2,000 to spend at the casino? Are they going to give everyone a free parking space like they do with season ticket holders? It doesn’t make a difference."