Residents Plan To Fight Proposed Foxborough Casino

Foxborough and Walpole residents are building momentum to battle a proposed casino across from Gillette Stadium.

Several dozen people gathered in a quickly arranged protest on Foxborough's Common Saturday. Protesters waved signs that read "Gambling Destroys" and "We Can't Be Bought."

They're gathering signatures on a petition they will present to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Las Vegas casino owner Steve Wynn.

John Murtagh a member of the Walpole Planning Board, says his town would feel a big impact from a casino just over the line.

"It's going to bring crime. It's going to bring vandalism. It's going to put a strain on our police and fire," Murtagh said. "Stop it! Stop it now, right now!"

Protest organizer Erin Earnst of Foxborough says voters will defeat any proposed casino in a referendum, out of fear of endless traffic and increased crime.

"With the new legislation, we have the last word. We're a small town. We're a great town. We love our town," Earnst said. "We love the great things that Mr. Kraft has done for our town. But this is asking too much."

Jeff Cournoyer, a spokesman for The Kraft Group, released a written statement Saturday saying the group realizes casinos are a polarizing issue. The statement goes on to say that Wynn Resorts "puts a strong emphasis on enhancing their host communities and being good neighbors."

Robert Kraft has planned a series of media interviews with Steve Wynn on Monday.