Suffolk Downs unveils casino plans

BOSTON (WHDH) -- The owners of Suffolk Downs have unveiled plans for a $1 billion resort casino at the 77-year-old Boston horse track.

The proposal announced on Tuesday calls for a 163-acre site in the East Boston neighborhood with a casino, a 300-room hotel, restaurants, retail shops, entertainment areas, a spa and horse racing.

It would be known as "The Resort at Suffolk Downs." The announcement included the first architectural renderings of the proposed facility.

Suffolk Downs and its partner, Caesars Entertainment of Las Vegas, plan to bid for one of the three resort casino licenses under the state's new gambling law.

Proponents said this will create nearly 7,000 construction and resort jobs and generate $200 million a year in revenue for the state.

“I think the resort casino that’s proposed for East Boston has some great economic potential for us,” said Boston Mayor Thomas Menino.

Officials of the track said they would spend millions of dollars to address traffic concerns in the congested urban neighborhood.

“How we deal with some of the transportation issues that will come about with a casino resort and that area -- Bell Circle, we all know has to be changed,” said Menino.

“The plan looks beautiful, but I’ve got to wait to see what the traffic is going to be,” said one man.

“Personally I think it’s a win-win. I just don’t see anything negative to this project,” said a casino supporter.

Suffolk Downs officials say they will seek host community agreements with Boston and neighboring Revere.

(Copyright (c) 2012 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)