Possible Foxborough Casino Stirs Local Response

Social media played a strong role Saturday in Foxboro as over 150 Foxborough community residents gathered together to protest a proposed casino in town.

Foxborough residents Stephanie Crimmons and Liz Karzonen, spearheaded and coordinated the effort with only 24 hours notice after receiving information from a reliable source that Patriots Owner, Robert Kraft and Las Vegas Casino developer, Steve Wynn, were scheduled to meet to discuss issues related to the proposed project.  According to the Boston Globe, Kraft is in negotiations with Wynn to propose a $1 billion casino near Gillette Stadium, which would also include a hotel, retail, restaurants, and large entertainment facilities.

Crimmons and Karzonen coordinated the effort through social-media sites, Facebook and Twitter.  The message spread quickly and the result was impressive as Foxborough residents gathered in the chilly morning air to expressed their outrage and concerns for the town. 

“We’re here  to show the Kraft Organization that Foxboro is against a casino in this town,” said Karzonen.When asked if she thought that this was a long-range plan by the Kraft Organization, she replied, “Yes, I do. These are two of the richest men in the world trying to buy the people of Foxboro.  We’re here today to tell them that Foxborough is not for sale.” 

Crimmons further stated, “This is not what we envisioned for the town and people of Foxborough. We are not going to sit back and watch this happen without a fight.”

Both Crimmons and Karzonen disseminated flyers to the crowd, entitled, A “No Wynn Scenario…Seven Reasons to Oppose the Casino in Foxborough.”  The colorful flyers referred to studies done by two renowned economists (Grinols and Mustard, 2001) stating that crime rates increase dramatically 5-7 years after a casino opens.  The crime rates indicated the following:  aggravated assaults that increased 114%; increase in robberies by 161%; an increase of larceny by 53%; increase of auto thefts by 92%; increase of burglaries by 54%, and finally, an increase in murders by 22%.

Neda Joury,  Foxborough resident and mother of three, summed up her feelings, stating, “This is such a shock. I feel like the town has been taken over. The quality and character of the town will definitely change if this goes through. What we need here are satellite campuses for continuing education/college, or hospital satellites such as the Brigham and Women’s satellite at Patriot Place.” 

Joury was not alone in her feelings;  Michelle Paluzzi, Foxboro resident, stated,  “The integrity of the town (Foxboro) needs to be taken back.”

One Foxborough resident, who wished to remain anonymous lamented the fact that the proposed casino would be operating at the same time the Patriots would be playing home games.  “Has Kraft or the town given any thought as to how they plan to manage the traffic in town when the casino would be open and the Patriots are playing?” he said. 

The Patch spoke with business owners in the downtown area who also expressed reservations about the proposed casino project.  Angelo Kesalis, owner of The Commons Eatery for ten years  stated, “At least we know what we have here at the present time…this could be a double edge sword.  Who knows if business will go down here in the downtown if the casino comes into Foxboro.  I’m afraid small business is going to be hurt in the long-run.”   

Judy Hartlett, Manager of the New Trading Post in downtown Foxboro was in agreement with Kesalis. 

“If the casino comes in, it will totally and completely change the town – and not for the better. Mr. Kraft has been good to the town, however this proposal is not good for Foxboro. I don’t believe the town can take another layer of development on that level," she said.

Some residents have spoken out in support of a casino in Foxborough, citing "jobs, revenue and economic development" as the main reasons as to why the town should encourage the development or at the very least, listen to what the proposal will be. posted on the Patch comment page, “I think we have to see the proposal set forth by the Krafts before we start rallying against casinos. People shouldn't jump to conclusions so fast. This proposal could have some serious benefits for the town.”  

Millie Cetrone, Real Estate Agent stated, “Bob Kraft has been good to the town. We should remain objective until we hear both sides.”

Steve Wynn, a major leader in the Las Vegas resort casino industry, was a guest of Robert Kraft on Sunday at the Patriots game against the Colts. Wynn is curious to see if Foxborough residents are interested in supporting  a plan to host a major resort project.

Casino development in Foxborough has become a polarizing issue for residents overnight, with strong opinions on both sides.

Jeff Cournoyer, spokesman for The Kraft Group, said that they understand there is going to be strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

“We understand that it’s a polarizing issue, and we expect there to be strong opinions on both sides. If we decide to proceed, the process would provide ample opportunity for the residents of Foxborough and surrounding communities to be heard and to learn more about Wynn’s history of creating world-class resorts that fit the character of their communities."

Cournoyer said that the "fact that Wynn Resorts puts a strong emphasis on enhancing their host communities and being good neighbors – as evidenced in each of their locations – is one of the primary reasons why The Kraft Group has invited Mr. Wynn to visit and speak to the town."

"If we weren’t positive about that, we wouldn’t even consider it,” he noted.

A Foxborough proposal would compete for a license designated for Greater Boston under the state's new casino law. The law requires that casinos win the approval of local voters.