Casino clash divides Eastie

Neighbors spar over plan for gambling resort

By Richard Weir
Sunday, June 24, 2012

Photo by Kelvin Ma

DICEY BID: Khrista Crystal hands out fliers to drivers yesterday to protest the proposed casino at Suffolk Downs.

The battle over a proposed $1 billion casino at Suffolk Downs is pitting neighbor against Eastie neighbor — not-in-my-backyard opponents who fear the effects of a gambling parlor against absolutely-in-my-backyard supporters of a 300-room Caesars resort at the 77-year-old horse track.

And the front lines of that battle were fiercely drawn yesterday at the busy intersection of Bennington and Saratoga streets in the heart of Orient Heights.

“I’m a little concerned here that someone could jump the curb and hit us — on purpose,” said Gail Miller, as she stood on a traffic island, part of a small army of anti-casino activists handing out “No Eastie Casino” fliers to drivers.

The grassroots campaign is actively taking to the streets in an effort to “educate folks and pull out the anti-casino vote,” said organizer Celeste Myers, 40, who hopes to sway on-the-fence residents on the issue that has divided her community. “I think it’s frayed a few relationships.”

Opponents, who are holding a 6 p.m. community meeting tomorrow at the East Boston Social Center, fear the casino will increase crime, lower property taxes [should be PROPERTY VALUES!], clog streets with cars and siphon off local dollars. But those who favor the casino hope it will deliver the promised 2,500 construction and 4,000 resort jobs.

During one heated exchange yesterday, casino protester John Dudley sparred with Diane Ingemi, an Orients Heights resident who worked a phone bank with Myers to get Mayor Thomas M. Menino, a backer of the casino, re-elected in 2009.

“Each slot machine they want to put in takes at least $100,000 out of the local economy,” argued Dudley, 29, of Chelsea, who fears the casino could hurt local restaurants and shops.

“You’re wrong,” shouted Ingemi, a frequent visitor to Mohegan Sun in Connecticut who can’t wait for a casino to open at Suffolk Downs — a block from her Waldemar Avenue home — where she could gamble, dine out and take in shows. “I’m 125 percent for the casino. ... I think the money is going to come in and stay in Boston.”


Sure! That's why Connecticut is a fiscal disaster and there has been no economic development except for a Dunkin' Donuts. That's why revenues for both Casinos are declining, Foxwoods defaulted in 2010 and Mohegan Sun financially imploded. Never let the facts inform your opinion!

Miller similarly ran into opposition when she handed a flier through a car window and got an earful from the driver, an old friend and fellow board member of a local nonprofit.

“I’m voting for the casino. I wish I could vote for it twice,” said David Arinella, 60, a former chief probation officer from East Boston who believes the casino developer’s cash will fix traffic-snarled Route 1A.

“No you’re not. I’ve got to talk to you, David,” replied Miller, a former court reporter. “Wait a minute, you’re a former probation officer. And how many people came to you with gambling addictions?”

“They gamble in church. They do keno in church. You want to close churches down from playing bingo? That’s craziness,” he said, adding “Good luck, Gail,” as the light turned green.

http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20220624casino_clash_divides_eastie_neighbors_spar_over_plan_for_gambling_resort/