Foxborough Residents Debate Proposed Casino

06:59

December 05, 2011

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, right, hosts casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife, Andrea Hissom, on the field at Gillette Stadium prior to the Patriots' NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday. (AP) — New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, right, hosts casino mogul Steve Wynn and his wife, Andrea Hissom, on the field at Gillette Stadium prior to the Patriots' NFL football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday. (AP)

For much of the past two years it felt as though the debate over casino gambling in Massachusetts went on and on and on. Then the legislature finally passed a bill, the governor signed it, and the debate was over.

Turns out it's only just beginning. Now comes the thorny question of where to build the three casinos and one slot parlor. And if initial the reaction from Foxboro is any indication, it's going to be along, contentious process.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft has teamed up with Las Vegas casino developer Steve Wynn and is proposing to build a $1 billion casino just across the streets from where the Patriots play. Over the weekend, local opposition to the proposal arose swiftly and continued Monday.

On Monday WBUR spoke with Larry Harrington, chair of the Foxborough Board of Selectmen, who has not made up his mind yet about the casino. Harrington says he sees some possible benefits for the town - namely, jobs and taxes.

Stephanie Crimmins is one Foxborough resident vehemently opposed to the casino in her town, and she joins Radio Boston from outside Gillette Stadium, where she has been protesting.

Guest:

Stephanie Crimmins, Foxborough resident

This segment aired on December 5, 2011.