Kraft/Wynn Slot Barn would be detrimental to area housing market

Casino would be detrimental to area housing market

To the editor: I'm a Foxboro resident and owner of a real estate brokerage for the last 23 years. I'm against the casino in Foxboro for several reasons.

* A casino is controversial.

* Anything controversial will cause some home buyers to exclude Foxboro and surrounding towns. This potential reduction in buyers will negatively affect the price and resale of homes here.

* There will most likely be an increase in crime, drunk driving and other problems that don't necessarily come from other types of commercial developments such as a malls, restaurants, etc.

* The majority of jobs created by a casino are not high paying. In contrast, jobs created through skilled manufacturing, high tech, research, medical, education and finance would be more beneficial to Foxboro and area communities. Whether the casino is built in Foxboro or Boston, those same jobs the casino lobby is promoting will be available for applicants.

* A casino will change the demographics and feel of the town. The casino developer is setting aside funds to deal with the increased need in law enforcement the casino will bring. Many families moved to Foxboro because of the community feel. Any significant change in crime, drug abuse, alcohol abuse and, domestic violence, or any other demographics will change the feel and fabric of Foxboro and surrounding towns.

Three casinos will be built in Massachusetts, all within a drive convenient to Foxboro residents who want to use it or work there; it doesn't need to be in Foxboro for this to happen.

With objection from of town officials and residents in significant numbers, Steve Wynn and Robert Kraft have resorted to employment of people from outside of town to try to sell the proposal to residents. They are funding promotions trying to make the casino just about jobs. This argument falls short because Foxboro has relatively high employment. All the casino jobs will be available to qualified candidates no matter where the casino is built. The "Jobs for Foxboro" argument just doesn't hold water.

Bob Simone, Foxboro