Resort Casino Talks in Foxborough Prompt Community Forum

The town of Foxborough has been turned upside down in past four days, making the topic of casino development one of the most polarizing issues in over a decade for the town.

"My fear is that this issue will divide the town," commented selectman Lynda Walsh during Tuesday night's selectmen meeting at town hall.

Selectmen addressed the topic of casino development in Foxborough briefly Tuesday, as the issue has grown exponentially overnight, exploding strong reaction from both sides of the issue. Board members were quickly flooded with phone calls and emails from concerned residents.

Board chair Larry Harrington said in the past four days, he has received over 50 phone calls and has responded to 50 to 75 emails.

"60 percent of the emails has been I do not want it. Other folks have called me and said, 'this is America, I have a right to look at it, but not sure if I want it," he said. "At the end of the day, it will be the will of people."

Within mere hours of media reports stating that casino mogul Steve Wynn was headed to Foxborough to meet with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, numerous casino opposition Facebook groups were developed and a was planned on Foxborough common. More recently, a jobs-for Foxboro Facebook group and twitter handle were created.

Walsh noted that she has never seen a negative campaign on "our Foxborough common," signaling her fears on town division, as well as appreciating the fears of concerned residents. Walsh noted that she was saddened by some of the signs around town.

"The slanderous remarks to Kraft’s and the assumption that selectmen are in back door deals are disreputable remarks," she said.

Harrington spoke publicly on his meeting at Gillette Stadium Sunday with Kraft and Wynn. He commented on reports that single him as supporting the idea and being "wined and dined."

"I have been criticized unfairly and I have been accused of wining and dining and that is not the case," he said.

Harrington stated that Kraft opened up the meeting by talking about Foxborough's history. Kraft also talked about how Foxborough is his second home and that, in the past, he has been opposed to ideas similar to what is being talked about.

have both reported that the vision for a facility would be "an upscale destination center, with gambling being a small portion." Kraft has stated to the media that if the town of Foxborough is not interested in it, he will do something else.

Selectmen noted that Wynn has not proposed anything to the community yet.

"In a matter of three to four days, they have turned this town upside down," said selectman James DeVellis. (They need to) bring a proposal, come with a proposal that is polished because right now, we are fighting, it’s a disaster. If (they) are serious, come quick."

Resident Neda Joury compared the issue of casinos to "disliking sushi." She went onto comment that, it does not matter what it (sushi) tastes like or how it is prepared, at the end of the day, "she still does not like sushi."

Neda Joury went onto say that gambling is it's own thing and it’s not about waiting for a proposal.

"I don’t know how much louder we can be to Wynn/Kraft." 

"Is the town interested in a casino? – not what the proposal is – that is the forum that people are requesting," stated selectman Lorraine Brue.

Foxborough residents will tentatively have a chance to make their voice heard in December. Town manager Kevin Paicos will reach out to Kraft, Wynn and their representatives to attend a meeting in town to hear from residents.

The meeting is being proposed for Saturday, Dec. 17 at Foxborough High School, depending on official availability of FHS and that of all respected parties involved. An official date and time will be announced and publicized.

"They say they want to hear from Foxborough, this is Foxborough (making) it easier to hear," said Harrington.

Foxborough resident Paula Mitchell, brought up another possible issue for residents opposed to casinos that would neighbor Foxborough; a "racino" complex in Plainville. The Plainridge Racecourse wants to install a slot machine partner.