Somerville Mayor Stands Against Mystic River Footbridge

Steve Wynn’s plan to build a $1.7 billion casino in Everett is facing stiff opposition from Somerville’s Mayor Joseph Curtatone.

Curtatone does not want his city associated with Wynn’s proposed casino footbridge. The structure is slated to be built over the Mystic River, connecting the resort to Somerville.

Wynn wants to build the bike and walking bridge in an effort to attract shoppers at Somerville’s Assembly Row. It would also directly connect to the bustling Assembly Row MBTA station.

“When you are at the site and realize how close we are to the new Assembly MBTA Orange Line and the developments across the water, it makes perfect sense,” said Robert DeSalvio, president of Wynn Everett.

Curtatone feels quite differently. In a conversation with the Boston Globe, Curtatone said the proposed footbridge “would benefit Steve Wynn and Steve Wynn only.” He feels the project is a ploy by Wynn to “get more people to his craps table.”

The casino recently announced it will pay the Department of Conservation and Recreations $250,000 to conduct a feasibility study for a walkway over the Mystic River.