Casino Tensions Continue to Mount in Foxborough

The small town of Foxborough has seen its share of tension lately. The month of December has been filled with meetings, rallies and overall chaos over a proposed casino from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn.

"It has not been a typical holiday season here in town," said one Foxborough resident. "I hope the chatter, phone calls and sign thefts stop...at least through the holidays - let the town breathe."

The advisory committee recently unanimously agreed to suggest to the selectmen in their next meeting on Dec. 27 that they should invoke a special town meeting to revote on the rezoning of the area proposed for the casino. The committee will discuss their request with selectmen on Dec. 27.

“This mechanism that we offered before was a non-binding referendum, which we know would be difficult to put together,” said advisory chair John Gray.

It was decided by the committee that a more concrete option should be sought, such as the rezoning issue.

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With selectmen scheduled to meet next week to consider the proposal, community resident's voices for, against and in the middle of the issue are being heard throughout town.

In the past week alone, Foxborough police have reported upwards of 12 cases of anti-casino sign stealing.

"I think its sad to see the town like this. Anger is never a good way to start debate," commented resident Steven Miller. "We teach our kids not to bully and steal and look whats happening across the board."

Also adding fuel to the fire, are the many telephone surveys that went out this week to residents about a proposed casino. Survey questions ranged from "feelings on a resort destination in town to the trustworthiness of town officials or other figures."

"My house recieved three phone calls, all three hours apart from the same number. When I picked up the third time, it was the casino survey; I just hung up the phone," noted Miller.

Paul Feeney said it appears that Wynn Resorts, and not the Kraft Group, are behind the polling, the Sun Chronicle reports.