THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 18, 2022 Page 3 MGC approves East of Broadway with conditions By Christopher Roberson T he Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) recently voted 4-0 to approve a list of seven conditions for the proposed East of Broadway project. However, the MGC determined that it will have no “regulatory interest” in the development and that it will not be considered part of Encore Boston Harbor. During the March 14 meeting, Attorney Todd Grossman, general counsel for the MGC, said one of the primary conditions pertained to seating in the events center. The condition states that the events center would either have fewer than 1,000 ticketed seats or more than 3,500 ticketed seats. “As long as it’s more than 3,500 or less than 1,000, they would be in the clear,” said Grossman. MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein said the number of patrons should not be a top concern. “I’m actually not concerned if 1,500 people are on the floor at once,” she said. Another condition requires that Wynn Development submit a security plan for the development’s parking garage at least 60 days prior to opening. “One of the concerns that was raised was the potential for minors to be left inside a vehicle,” said Grossman. Therefore, routine patrols will be conducted. In the event that children are found in a vehicle unattended, the Everett Police Department will be notified immediately. Grossman also called attention to the pedestrian bridge that will span over Lower Broadway. He said the plans for the bridge must clearly show the point where the bridge connects to Encore. There must also be security measures in place, including surveillance cameras, checkpoints and patrol procedures. The plan must be submitted to the MGC at least 90 days prior to construction. Despite having earlier reservations, MGC Commissioner Bradford Hill said he is in favor of the conditions. “I’m fine with the language that has been put forth; it addresses the concerns that I had,” he said. However, Hill said Encore also needed to be in agreement before he could cast an affirmative vote. Attorney Jacqui Krum, general counsel for Encore, said the casino would comply with the MGC’s conditions. “We are agreeable to all the conditions set forth,” she said. MGC Commissioner Eileen O’Brien said other developments will likely follow once East of Broadway is completed. “Clearly, if things go well, this is not going to be the last development in that area,” she said. The Weigh to Eat Right By Sam Amado iet changes can actually be more challenging than adding an exercise routine. (Changing your diet requires changing an old habit, rather than adding to existing activities.) The best way to establish a new diet is to focus on the longterm goal (weight loss, adding or toning muscle, etc.). Cutting calories is the first D step for losing weight. The number of calories that somebody can eat per day varies based on factors like age, gender, family background and who one asks. We strongly suggest consulting with a professional trainer or nutritionist before making significant changes to your diet. However, there are general rules about changes that most people can safely make. Remove high-fat and highly processed foods. Adding protein (particularly lean protein, such as chicken, fish or plants) and vegetables can help to reduce hunger (and off-schedule eating). The diet for toning (but not adding) muscle is similar for weight loss, but with more emphasis on lean protein and requires exercise. (The specific exercises will be detailed in a future column.) Building muscle requires significant amounts of protein before and after a workout. Adding calories obligates a disciplined workout routine. If the calories (even the right sort of calories) are not used to recover/build muscle, those calories will become fat. It is also important to read and understand the labels on food. In addition to the total number of calories per serving, consider the breakdown of calories (from fat, protein, carbohydrates). Words like “organic” or “fresh” are less significant than labels often imply. “Organic” means that the food includes basic carbon (the most common element known to exist). Similarly, fresh means that the product was never frozen. (In some cases, the adjectives only apply to specific ingredients, rather than the product as a whole.) Finally, avoid eating after dinner, particularly less than two to three hours before going to sleep. Improving diet and nutrition requires long-term focus and attention to the details of what you are eating and how you exercise. (There is no shortcut.)
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