Community Corner

Letter to the Editor from Robert Kraft: "Casino" Proposal in Foxborough

A letter to the editor from Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group, Robert K. Kraft.

Letter to the Editor:

I first started doing business in Foxborough more than 25 years ago. Since then, my family and I have tried to build and create businesses that add value and enhance the Town. In addition to our business activities, I have strived to be a charitable member of the community and have built lasting friendships. My family and I have very much enjoyed our relationship with the Town. If nothing else, I hope that my 25-year history here has established a strong track record of doing what we’ve said we would do.

Regarding the proposal for a “casino” in Foxborough, I can understand why some people may be opposed to it. When the concept was first raised, I was opposed, too, but I listened.  What I heard is that Wynn Resorts would build a unique destination resort and convention center that would attract visitors from across the globe to spend time and money in this community. The “casino” component would be a small piece of the overall square footage. The resort would not resemble the conceptions people (myself included) have of what constitutes a “casino."

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It is personally troubling to me that some are questioning my sincerity regarding whether I believe the proposed resort would be a positive for the Town. I am not motivated to do anything that would devalue the character of the community in which my family has chosen to invest the majority of our assets.

The Town Manager and others have said that Foxborough is facing budgetary issues. It was for that reason that the Town recently approved a new meals tax and split the tax rate to increase the property tax on businesses. Decisions like these make it harder to attract new businesses to the Town, but municipalities all over Massachusetts and the country are making these very difficult decisions due to the need to generate revenue. The Town may decide that this destination resort could be a revenue solution or it may decide that it is not the right solution. I feel strongly, though, that every voter deserves the right to hear the specifics of what the resort would look like and what the economic impact would be before making that decision. That is the democratic process by which all important decisions should be made. 

Find out what's happening in Foxboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It concerns me that in these uncertain economic times some do not want to allow their fellow citizens the right to hear a proposal. All Foxborough residents should have the opportunity to see a proposal and provide feedback.  If it’s not right for Foxborough, they will vote it down, but the proposal should be heard and the democratic process should be followed.

To the communities surrounding Foxborough, I understand that a proposal without details is a matter of concern. Please understand that I believe this is a regional economic development opportunity that will be a positive for all, and that Wynn Resorts will address your concerns moving forward.

Sincerely,

Robert K. Kraft

Chairman and CEO

The Kraft Group


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here