Foxborough Residents Consider Casino Deal

Officials and residents in Foxborough are weighing the pros and cons of a casino across from Gillette Stadium, after the New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Las Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn made their case to residents Sunday.

Kraft and Wynn say they'll only move forward with a casino proposal in Foxborough if the town supports the idea.

Wynn spent much of Sunday in Foxborough talking to town officials and residents about a possible resort across from Gillette Stadium on Route 1.

Wynn told residents  he envisions a development that would fit with the town's character, and would not necessarily be as big or as flashy as a typical Las Vegas resort.

Kraft said the project is contingent on the approval of Foxborough residents. He believes the meetings on Sunday gave the town a better idea of what the proposal might entail.

Wynn and Kraft projected $15 million in revenue a year for the town and as many as 7,000 permanent jobs with an average annual salary of about $40,000.

Foxborough Selectmen chair Lawrence Harrington met with Kraft and Wynn on Saturday and has yet to make up his mind about the possible casino.

"I ask that people be open-minded to the formal proposal when it is submitted," Harrington said.

The plan faces opposition already as more than 100 residents held a protest rally Saturday. Critics say a casino would decrease property values, clog roads and lead to increased crime.

A new state law allows up three resort casinos in Massachusetts.