The city of Boston has apparently given up its effort to be designated a host community for Steve Wynn’s proposed casino in Everett casino, eliminating the possibility that Boston could block the project.
Separately, slots developer Neil Bluhm announced today that he is dropping his plans to build a parlor in Millbury, citing the lack of support from the central Massachusetts community.
Boston has agreed to begin talks with Wynn as a “surrounding community†under the state casino law. Surrounding communities can negotiate with developers for compensation but cannot block projects.
The agreement was disclosed at this afternoon’s meeting of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the same place both Menino and Wynn waged war on Thursday over the boundary lines between Boston, Everett and the shores of the Mystic River.
If Boston had been designated a host community for the project under state law, it would have given the city broad power over the development, including the power to kill it. Menino is backing the casino proposed for Suffolk Downs in East Boston. Also competing is Foxwoods, who have proposed building a casino in Milford.
The commission is expected to choose the winning applicant in early 2014.
Boston’s claim rested with the odd shape of the city line, which darts across the Mystic River into the edge of the former Monsanto chemical site where Wynn intends to build.
Mark Arsenault can be reached at marsenault@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @bostonglobemark
