Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 10, 2020 Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Encore slated to reopen on July 12 3,000 employees put on furlough By Christopher Roberson E ncore Boston Harbor will finally reopen on July 12 after being closed for nearly four months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the extended closure has taken a heavy toll as 3,000 employees will be furloughed, according to Encore’s parent company, Wynn Resorts. This is in addition to the initial cut, which was made in May, to furlough 10 percent of the casino’s full-time staff. That reduction also stopped pay for Encore’s 850 part-time employees. Casino officials said employees will be brought back using a “thoughtful and measured protocol.” As a result of the loss in revenue, Encore missed its $10 million payment to the city of Everett that is part of the Community Host Agreement. However, the payment is expected to be made by July 15. Therefore, no late fees have been assessed. According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC), poker, roulette and craps will be suspended until further notice. “Those games will be suspended based on the directives that are being driven by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission in order to offer the highest levels of safety and sanitization for our guests upon our reopening,” said Encore spokesperson Rosie Salisbury. Although blackjack will be available, no more than three players will be permitted at those tables. Patrons will not be allowed to carry or consume a drink while moving from one game to another on the casino floor until Phase 4 of the state’s Reopening Plan. For the slot machines, Encore officials can choose to either space them six feet apart or install six-foot-high Plexiglas barriers between machines. Six-foot-high Plexiglas will also be required at all table games. In addition, valet parking will not be available; no more than four people will be allowed in an elevator and sanitizer will be in every hotel room. “It will not be as simple as unlocking the doors and switching the lights back on,” said MGC Chairwoman Cathy Judd-Stein. City Council joins Everett’s Independence Day Celebration at Rivergreen Park Legislative Aide Mike Mangan and Councillors Fred Capone, Jimmy Tri Le, Rosa DiFlorio, Anthony DiPierro, Peter Napolitano and Stephanie Martins were on hand to distribute candy to moviegoers at the city’s Independence Day celebration. (Courtesy photo) EVERETT JOINS | FROM PAGE 1 nity. “First, it qualifies the city or town to apply for an exclusive capital grant program for up to $250,000,” she said. “Second, Housing Choice communities receive special consideration in nine other state grant programs such as MassWorks, Complete Streets and Green Communities.” In addition, Maddox said Everett will join an exclusive group of 63 other communities who have also received the Housing Choice designation this year, and this new grouping gives Massachusetts a total of 74 Housing Choice Communities. “Together, these communities have produced more than 70 percent of the new housing in the commonwealth over the last five years,” said Maddox. DeMaria said he is honored to see Everett receive this distinction. “Receiving this acknowledgement is a testament of the city’s dedication to providing increased affordable housing to our residents,” he said. “The housing needs in our community are drastic, but with dedication and commitment we will be able to overcome all obstacles presented to us.” Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro said he appreciates the city being recognized for its efforts to improve the housing market. “It highlights the important work done collaboratively between Mayor DeMaria and the City Council to establish more housing in the city of Everett,” he said. “It underscores the city government’s commitment to create more of a supply of housing to meet the high demand, which will, in time, reduce the cost of housing in this community.”
7 Publizr Home