Turnout sparse for Revere casino confab

REVERE – The biggest concern for Revere residents when it comes to expanded gaming and casinos potentially coming to Suffolk Downs is the increase of traffic.?What can be done to help control and alleviate the traffic situation throughout Revere?” asked Revere resident Ralph Decicco said.A relativity small turnout showed up to the first meeting concerning casino mitigation Thursday night at the Paul Revere School.Decicco suggested that the MBTA finally put a commuter rail station in Revere since it does pass through the city.?This may alleviate some traffic from the North Shore since people will be able to take the commuter rail to and from Revere and also transfer to and from the Blue Line,” he said.However, that suggestion was met with hesitation. “The MBTA is struggling so much right now that I can?t imagine them thinking about expanding,” State Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein said.Reinstein also added that there have been many studies done concerning traffic and how to handle it. “They are not going to invest a billion dollars into something and not have people to get to it,” she said.Revere resident William Bell would like to see copies of those studies at City Hall and Revere Public Library. “I?m not concerned about people getting to Suffolk Downs,” Bell said. “I?m concern about people getting by Suffolk Downs and going to work.”Another major concern was crime. “Casinos bring great hope to the local economy and jobs but it also will bring nickel chasers, con artists, prostitution and undesirables,” Decicco said.?Crime is a concern in any urban city,” Reinstein said. “There will be a state police unit dedicated to this.”?We will be very diligent dealing with the needs of the city. We want the city the best it can be,” Economic Director John Festa added.Revere resident and former councilor at large George Rotondo believes it is the best interest of the city to hire a consultant to negotiate for them.?I don?t know if there is anyone in the city with actual experience in this,” Rotondo said. “Revere residents are sophisticated but they are not used to matters of this nature.”?That is always an option,” Festa responded. “However, I think now that might be too premature.”Many were disappointed with the lackluster turnout. “This is a pathetic turnout. This is embarrassing,” Revere resident Bill Jackson said. “If people don?t speak up now then it is going to be left in the hands of someone else.”Mayor Dan Rizzo urged for residents to share their ideas. “We don?t possibly have all the answers,” he said. “We are hoping for significant input from the public.”The next meeting will be this Saturday at the Police Department Community Room at 4 p.m., for residents of Wards 1 and 2. On Feb. 23 there will be a meeting at the Legion Building at 6 p.m., for residents of Wards 4 and 6.Sara Brown can be reached at [email protected].