Medford Mayor: Encore Traffic Impact 'Pleasantly Underwhelming'

MEDFORD, MA — When Encore Boston Harbor opened its doors to an estimated 50,000 visitors for its first day of business in Everett on June 23, it did so amid dire predictions of traffic gridlock and a catastrophic parking crunch in surrounding neighborhoods and neighboring cities. Yet, after the initial curiosity rush to the $2.6-billion resort, the stress on Medford of having the spectacle in its backyard has been less than initially feared.

"The much anticipated traffic and congestion that Encore was predicted to cause has been pleasantly underwhelming," Medford Mayor Stephanie Burke told Patch.

Somerville officials told Patch this week that city will monitor the impact of the casino over the next year and compare it to baseline data on traffic, MBTA bus reliability and pedestrian and bicycle safety gathered over the past three years to gauge any long-term repercussions on infrastructure and personnel costs.

Burke credited the extensive work that was done ahead of the grand opening for the relatively smooth start to the summer from Medford's perspective.

"Planning from various city officials, the Medford Police, the State Police, and Encore took place prior to their opening," she said. "They have all worked to ensure that the congestion and traffic in the area is kept at a minimum."

The casino did some banner business during its first week with $16.8 million in reported earnings in gaming alone from June 23-20. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported that will result in $4.2 in generated taxes. The resort also includes a 671-room hotel.

Some of that revenue is pegged to go back to area cities to help with any infrastructure impact of the casino through a community agreement.

While reviews of the casino have been generally positive, it did come under fire last week when a class-action lawsuit was filed against Encore for cheating blackjack players out of payouts and withholding portions of some slot machine winnings.

Encore denied any wrongdoing in an emailed statement to Patch: "Since opening, Encore Boston Harbor follows the Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulations for blackjack payouts." The casino cited state gambling rules, which mention 6-to-5 payouts — less than the 3-to-2 payouts the lawsuit says are due those who hit blackjack under state guidelines. The lawsuit also charges the casino is rounding down change in slot payouts, adding up to a potential $30 million in annual Encore revenue.