Foxboro holds meeting to debate building of casino

Foxboro holds meeting to debate building of casino

FOXBORO, Mass. -- Foxboro town leaders are laying their cards on the table. They’re talking about what some are calling a risky bet: allowing a casino to be built in their town.

The casino debate in Foxboro is pitting neighbors against neighbors.

“I have a right to speak as a tax payer of this town,” one Foxboro resident said.

“As a physician, this is going to be good for my business. Really good. I’m going to have many more people with sexually transmitted disease to treat and see,” one resident said.

“I’m concerned about emotion derailing an informed democracy,” said another resident.

Seven hundred people came out to the board of selectmen's meeting on Tuesday night.

Of the 30 who spoke, two thirds said they're worried a resort casino would tax their public safety, schools, and hospitals.

“This is irrevocable change. Socially, economically, it’s irrevocable,” said one woman.

“I thought it was financial gambling that got us into this economic mess that we’re talking about right now, so the rhetorical question is, ‘Why do we think that gambling is going to get us out?’” said one man.

While one third said they either wanted to hear more about the proposal before voting, or they're willing to gamble; casinos would mean jobs.

“I am for the casino,” said one man.

“Every friend I have in the town wants to engage in a positive dialogue about the potential for job creation and new revenue for local school,” said one woman.

It was a heated with meeting with applause and jeers. One many say - is tearing their town apart.

Even if the selectmen want to move forward into looking to have a resort casino being built in Foxboro, they first have to reverse a gaming ban that they initiated back in 2004.

The meeting ended after a four hour debate. The board voted three to two to not enter discussions with Mr. Wynn and Mr. Kraft to build a casino in their town. The vote, however, is non-binding because there was no official proposal on the table.