Former Ward 3 City Councilor Darren Costa has officially announced his candidacy for School Committee At-Large, pledging to bring his financial expertise and community experience to the role. “I’m running because every child in Everett deserves the best education possible,” Costa said. “With my fiscal background, I know how to strengthen our schools by maximizing resources within budget constraints.”
Costa pointed to the challenges Everett schools are facing:
Overcrowded classrooms are limiting student learning. “We have a perfectly good school building sitting empty in the former Pope John High School while students are crammed into crowded classrooms. That doesn’t make sense,” Costa said. He pledged to work with the administration to find creative solutions for space and to advocate for grant funding to support students and teachers.
ESL resources and enrichment programs need more investment. “Everett is a diverse community. No matter what language a child grows up speaking, they should have every opportunity to succeed,” Costa said. He emphasized his commitment to securing additional tools and funding to meet the needs of all students.
Budget accountability is essential. “Every taxpayer deserves to know their money is being spent wisely,” Costa added. “I will push for competitive bidding, clear financial reporting, and open communication so families know their dollars are going directly to benefit Everett’s students.”
Unlike his previous ward race, Costa is running At-Large, which means every Everett voter—no matter which ward they live in—will have the opportunity to vote for him. “Many residents have told me they wished they could have supported me before, and now they can,” Costa said.
Costa, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), brings extensive experience in finance and accountability. An Everett homeowner of Azorean Portuguese descent, Costa is raising his two children in the city, volunteers in local youth programs, and speaks Portuguese.
“My family’s story is Everett’s story,” he said. “My wife is a Haitian immigrant who proudly became an American citizen, and together we’re raising our kids with the values of hard work, service, and opportunity. I will be an accessible voice for parents, a strong partner for teachers, and a tireless advocate for our kids. Together, we can deliver safe schools, smaller classrooms, stronger academics, arts, and after-school opportunities.”
Costa urged residents to make their voices heard at the ballot box:
“I’m asking for your support this November. Let’s give our kids the future they deserve.”
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Contact Darren Costa for more information or to volunteer:
The entrance to a new entrance point to Everett Square
Honorable Members of the City Council,
As a former representative of Ward 3 and an advocate for the responsible development of our city’s assets, I bring forth concerns regarding the proposed rehabilitation of the Old Everett High School.
The order to borrow and allocate $11.4 million for initial improvements to the Old Everett High School fails to address the broader vision for this historic site. Decades of neglect have left the building in a state of disrepair, requiring comprehensive renovation beyond the scope of the proposed exterior improvements.
Furthermore, the lack of a long-term plan for the Old Everett High School raises questions about the administration’s approach to managing our city’s resources. Rather than simply patching up the building, we should be exploring opportunities for redevelopment that align with the needs and aspirations of our community.
In my view, the Old Everett High School presents a prime opportunity for collaboration with a third-party developer, similar to the proposed redevelopment of Pope John High School referenced in a recent editorial. By partnering with an organization who shares the residents vision for the site, we can ensure that it is revitalized in a manner that maximizes its potential benefit to the community.
However, I must stress that community feedback and active community participation are critical in this process. In the past, an open and transparent approach has not always been prioritized, leading to a lack of trust and buy-in from residents. Moving forward, it is imperative that we engage with residents, solicit their input, and include them in the decision-making process every step of the way.
Additionally, any development on the proposed lot must prioritize the creation of green space and community areas. As our city grows, it’s essential to preserve and enhance our natural environment while providing spaces where residents can come together and build a sense of community.
I urge all members of the City Council to consider the broader implications of the proposed rehabilitation of the Old Everett High School and to explore alternative approaches that prioritize long-term sustainability, community engagement, transparency, and the creation of green and community spaces.
I humbly asked for your vote on Tuesday, November 7. Early voting is happening now at City Hall, third floor. Reach out to me for additional voter information.
The challenges in Everett, like too much development, traffic, lack of parking, and higher living costs, aren’t new. They result from years of indecision.
Politics involves differing ideas and viewpoints. Analyzing candidates and their motives is essential in a democracy. Lately, the City Council has shown more diligence. Budget discussions have improved. Some aren’t comfortable with this change; I wonder why?
Personal differences and political opinions are part of our diverse democratic system. They lead to informed choices through lively debates. Don’t be misled by officials claiming others have political motives. This is a tactic used by those who prioritize politics over Everett’s residents.
Research your candidates. Some are independent thinkers unafraid to express their views. Look for candidates with knowledge and research on real issues; they’re the ones working for Everett’s best interests.
Old Everett high school sits only partially occupied. The mayor continues to rehabilitate the building, without a long-term plan although it fits as a perfect candidate for affordable Senior housing
Over the past several years, the residents of Everett have been witnessing a series of concerning decisions made by the city administration, particularly in the management of facilities. These decisions have left the community feeling unheard and have given rise to a lack of trust in the administration’s ability to prioritize their needs.
The denial of access to Pope John High School for educational purposes, the struggle with facility management, and the controversial investments in modular classrooms all highlight the paramount importance of providing suitable classroom space for our children. The lack of proper learning environments directly impacts the quality of education our children receive and their overall well-being.
Most recently, as the Ward 3 City Councilor and a staunch advocate for children’s well-being, I cast my vote against proceeding with the installation of modular classrooms. The decision to invest in plans for this expansion has raised questions about the administration’s understanding of the critical need for classroom space for our children. It is imperative that we prioritize the educational environment Everett’s students deserve. Even if funding exists for a new high school, we’re a decade away from opening the doors to a new high school.
Furthermore, there is growing concern about the proposed residential development in the area by the Mayor, a plan that faces opposition from abutters who fear its impact on the neighborhood. As a City Councilor and a passionate advocate for City Planning, I firmly believe that it is crucial to first establish a comprehensive master plan for that area of Ward 3 that prioritizes safe and effective development that works for the residents.
In addition to master planning, there is a pressing need to evaluate and update zoning ordinances before proceeding with large-scale developments. Our children’s educational and residential living environments should align with the best interests of the residents and their families. Affordable housing is critical to Everett’s future and the Old Everett High School gives us the opportunity to provide Senior affordable living. The vision that The Neighborhood Developers provided for PJHS would be better suited near Everett Square, since it has access to more transportation and shopping options. Unfortunately, that plan doesn’t fit for a small group, which leaves me asking why…
While the Mayor’s plan for a new high school may be viewed as an outcome-based ego decision, it does not adequately account for the importance of public input in shaping our city’s future. The residents of Everett should play a crucial role in deciding the direction of our educational infrastructure, particularly when it concerns the well-being and education of our children. I support the plans for a vocational school, as they can provide valuable opportunities for our students, but I share the concerns about the proposed location. It’s essential that we carefully consider the suitability of the area for such a facility and the potential impact on our community.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that our last proposal for a school building to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which was ultimately rejected by the City, did not include the Rivergreen location as a viable option. This underlines the need for a more inclusive, community-driven process in selecting the best sites for our educational facilities.
In the coming months, we must prioritize open dialogue, public input, and a thoughtful, community-centric approach to ensure that the educational needs of our children are met. Everett is uniquely positioned to offer affordable and accessible classroom space that reflects the true wishes and aspirations of our residents while maintaining a steadfast commitment to our children’s well-being and education.
The residents of Everett deserve to have a voice in the decisions that shape their city and to ensure that the administration’s choices align with our collective vision for a brighter future for our children. The denial of access to Pope John High School and the ongoing issues with facility management emphasize the critical need for classroom space for our children and the importance of an inclusive approach that places their well-being at the forefront of our community’s future.
Map of Everett’s beautiful river walk may be changing, significantly.
The current Rivergreen waterfront development proposal in Everett needs more oversight and consideration before it can be approved. Our City certainly needs more housing, but we cannot afford to continue developing haphazardly. We can and should consider our community along the way.
Here are my suggested considerations to get this project up and running properly, which include flooding protections, public space, transportation and traffic, affordable housing, accountability and ongoing support. I recently expressed these concerns during the Planning Board meeting on September 5th because our City and its residents deserve consideration while we create the future of Everett’s unique river walk.
First, let me acknowledge that I am a City Councilor representing Ward 3 and this project sits in Ward 6. That said, I am always concerned about the well-being of our entire City. Poorly planned overdevelopment affects us all. That’s why I’ve been working tirelessly to amend outdated zoning laws in our Business District, which apply to all Wards in Everett. We should approach every development project with the same level of scrutiny and consideration, regardless of its location, and build a strong community that we all can enjoy.
Flooding
This project sits directly between water and even more water. We already know that rising water and ever-stronger storm fronts are an issue. So the project must be designed to protect residents from flooding and other wastewater issues. Ensuring that our new development is environmentally responsible and resilient is not a matter of choice; it’s an obligation. We cannot compromise on the safety and well-being of our residents.
Public Access
It would be tragic to take our community’s gorgeous, unique asset — the riverfront — blocked away from residents because of privatization. Other large cities have truly prioritized river access for their communities and are spending millions of dollars to revitalize these areas, and require all new developments to include more green space and public access. We should do the same. Members of our community should not be excluded.
Transportation and Traffic
The Transportation Demand Management (TDM) plan is essential to this project, particularly because our ordinance requires fewer parking spaces intended to reduce congestion. We need to anticipate and address potential transportation challenges before the project is approved. Issues will surely arise otherwise. For example, how will Santilli Circle be affected? We must consider the needs of our Gateway City and prioritize public safety and transportation efficiency. Public parking will decrease significantly, privatizing a majority of the available parking. I recommend that a large number of the ~600 spaces stay open in the daytime for all Everett residents. We can collaborate with the state and other developments to create a safer, more integrated City. (Note: We also need to improve our application and public hearing process for development in Everett, but I’ll explain that another day…)
Affordable Housing
The developer’s failure to meet the required 15% of affordable units should be a non-starter. We absolutely cannot afford to compromise on our commitment to affordable housing in Everett. Why would any developer doing business in our City think they can just ignore our requirements? Any development of this scale should meet — and exceed — our affordable housing requirements, not fall short. Let us not forget, this property is owners by Wynn, the parent company of Encore Boston Harbor.
In conclusion, I currently share the disappointment expressed during the Planning Board meeting regarding the Rivergreen development. It’s imperative that we require the developer to properly address flooding, submit a comprehensive TDM plan and meet our affordable housing requirements to mitigate the impacts of this development effectively. We must advocate for a more thoughtful and equitable approach that prioritizes the needs and well-being of our residents. We are starting to do it with the Wynn Host Agreement renegotiation and this property should be considered in that discussion.
This project should symbolize progress, sustainability, and community, not compromise our values as a City. Our future depends on making the right decisions today, and I am committed to ensuring Everett’s waterfront truly serves everyone, regardless of Ward boundaries. We deserve better.
Darren and Farah attend the Candidate Forum with their daughter, Ever
As your dedicated Ward 3 City Councilor and active 2023 candidate, I believe that utilizing forums hosted by nonprofits is a crucial step towards achieving transparency, visibility, and access in our local government. These platforms offer an inclusive space where citizens can engage in meaningful discussions about key issues, ensuring that their voices are not only heard but also integrated into the decision-making process. On August 30th, my wife and I participated in the Everett City Council Candidate Forum hosted by La Comunidad, Everett Community Growers, the Everett Haitian Community Center and the Brazilian Women’s Group.
By partnering with nonprofits to host these forums, we can foster an environment of openness and collaboration. This approach allows us to share information about upcoming projects, budget allocations, and policy changes, providing residents with a deeper understanding of the inner workings of our city government. Moreover, these forums create opportunities for residents to ask questions, seek clarifications, and provide valuable feedback, leading to more well-rounded and informed decision making.
Transparency isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building trust. When residents see that their concerns are being acknowledged and addressed through these nonprofit-hosted forums, they are more likely to have confidence in our governance and be actively engaged in the community. This increased visibility also encourages a greater sense of civic responsibility, as residents become more invested in the success and growth of our city.
Accessibility is another key benefit of utilizing nonprofit forums. Not everyone can attend city council meetings in person due to various constraints, but these forums provide an avenue for participation regardless of one’s schedule or physical location. By breaking down barriers to engagement, we can ensure that a wider range of voices are represented in our decision-making processes.
In seeking reelection, I remain committed to enhancing our city’s democratic values by leveraging nonprofit forums to promote transparency, increase visibility, and provide accessible avenues for engagement. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community that thrives on the active involvement of its residents.
Advocating for transparency by asking the tough questions.
In Everett, Massachusetts, the Everett Citizens Foundation Grant, a result of the City’s Host Community Agreement with the Wynn casino, offers a chance to turn ideas into action. This blog post discusses the grant, walks you through the application process, and highlights the scoring criteria that could be your stepping stone to community impact.
The next round of applications will be available on September 5th, with a submission deadline of September 29th. This grant application is available semi-annually. Click the links below the article to reference the resources I used to compile this summary.
Application Highlights: To apply for the grant, the previous round application required these steps:
Complete Application: Fill out the application thoroughly. Email it to ECFoundation@ci.everett.ma.us with “ECF Application” as the subject, or mail it to Everett Citizens Foundation, c/o Department of Planning & Development – Matt Lattanzi, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149.
Applicant Information: Provide your organization’s details, contact person, and contact information.
Project Overview: Describe your project and its beneficiaries. Explain how your organization serves the community.
Project Feasibility: Outline your project’s readiness, budget, milestones, and implementation team.
Project Impact: Describe how your project will make a positive impact, detailing measurable outcomes.
Project Budget: Clearly state the requested grant amount and total project cost. Explain how funds will be used and list other funding sources.
Organizational Background: Share your organization’s history in Everett, past successes, and previous engagement with the Everett Citizens Foundation.
The Scoring Guidelines evaluate your application based on the following criteria:
Project Importance
Reach of Project Beneficiaries
Clarity and Quality of Budget
Feasibility of the Project
Clarity of Project Impact
Past Successes of Applicant
Engagement in Everett’s Community
Previous Exceptional Application (applicable if denied in the past)
The Everett Citizens Foundation Grant isn’t just funding; it’s an opportunity to make your community better. Whether you’re passionate about education, culture, or public spaces, your project can become a reality. Follow the simple application steps, keep the scoring criteria in mind, and take a step towards turning your vision into a transformational reality. Apply for the Everett Citizens Foundation Grant now!
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) recently issued a determination regarding the proposed Encore Casino East of Broadway expansion project in Everett. The Commission called for the re-opening of the Host Community Agreement (HCA) between Everett and Wynn LLC to address the concerns raised during the public hearings. In their response to the City Council, the MGC emphasized that if necessary, they will get involved in the renegotiation process.
As a resident and advocate for our community, I participated in the public hearings, expressing my conditional support for the expansion. However, I stressed the need for a revised Host Agreement, considering the significant increase in the casino’s gaming footprint and operations, including sports gaming.
My support for Wynn is based on their efforts in cleaning toxic land, but it is essential to ensure that Everett’s interests are thoroughly supported in the new agreement. Collaboration with Wynn is crucial in addressing the city’s affordable housing crisis and providing better opportunities for students.
Furthermore, we must prioritize our green spaces and environmental initiatives. Instead of building above-ground parking garages, Wynn should consider installing underground parking, clearing the area for parks and trees. The casino’s plans should also include more open air space and public accessibility for our residents.
Additionally, I advocated for increased community engagement, transportation cooperation, and infrastructural improvements from Wynn. It is vital for the company to play an active role in our city’s events and support transportation options for commuters. Repairing the Sweetser circle overpass and considering MBTA tracks in Everett are necessary steps towards improving our infrastructure.
It is essential to consider the financial aspect as well. The current agreement with Encore Boston Harbor falls short of potential property tax revenues for the city. As Wynn continues to generate significant revenue, we can reasonably request common-sense improvements for Everett’s development.
The MGC’s determination marks a positive step forward, urging the City of Everett and Encore Boston Harbor to engage in meaningful negotiations for the best outcome. As residents, let us remain engaged and vocal in advocating for responsible and mutually beneficial development. Together, we can ensure that our city and its residents remain a top priority in this discussion.
Feel free to reach out with your thoughts and support, as we stand united for a thriving and ever-improving Everett.
Darren Costa
Ward 3 City Councilor and 2023 Candidate for Ward 3 City Council
I am thrilled and honored to share some remarkable news with you all today. Our journey to build a stronger, more inclusive Everett has reached an exciting milestone – I am proud to announce that our campaign for the Everett City Council has been officially endorsed by the prestigious Greater Boston Labor Council! 🌟
This endorsement holds significant meaning to me personally, as well as for our community. The Greater Boston Labor Council represents the dedicated workforce that fuels our city’s progress, and their trust in our vision reinforces our commitment to representing the interests of every resident, ensuring a brighter future for all.
As we embark on this campaign journey together, it is crucial to reflect on the values and principles that underpin our collective aspirations. We believe in unity, progress, and equity, and this endorsement is a testament to the fact that we are on the right path. Together, we can advocate for workers’ rights, fight for fair wages, and create new opportunities that empower families and individuals across Everett.
The hardworking men and women of the labor community form the backbone of our city’s success, and it is our solemn duty to ensure that their voices are heard, and their concerns are addressed. I am fully committed to collaborating with the Greater Boston Labor Council and other stakeholders to champion policies that prioritize workers’ well-being and create a thriving environment for businesses and residents alike.
This endorsement is not just about my campaign; it is about the collective power of unity and community-driven progress. It symbolizes our shared vision for Everett, where every citizen has the chance to prosper, where no one is left behind, and where diversity is celebrated as a source of strength.
As we move forward in this campaign, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the members and leaders of the Greater Boston Labor Council for their invaluable support. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with, and with your backing, we can achieve great things for Everett.
Let us continue to work together to build a stronger Everett. I promise to be a tireless advocate for the well-being of our residents, the prosperity of our businesses, and the preservation of our shared values.
I invite each one of you to be a part of this journey. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our beloved city. Please share this blog post with your friends, family, and fellow residents to spread the word about this momentous endorsement.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for believing in our vision. With the backing of the Greater Boston Labor Council and our united community, we are poised to make a lasting impact on Everett’s future.
Darren Costa is your independent voice at City Hall. On Tuesday November 7th remember the candidate that listens and works for everyone in the Community, not any special interests. Vote Darren Costa for Ward 3 Everett City Councilor.
Dear Ward Three Neighbor,
I am writing to announce my candidacy for re-election as your Ward Three City Councilor. Please allow me to tell you a few reasons why you will be interested in this topic. You may remember that I was suddenly called to office last June after the incumbent (and now my opponent) was forced to quit. I’ve learned so much since then and I’ve decided: We deserve better. The good news is that Everett has made a lot of progress during my first year in office. I’d like to share how this impacts you, what I’ve done so far, and ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 so I can continue to serve our community!
Zoning Protections Zoning ordinances sound boring, but they are critical because, when done correctly, they can protect our neighborhoods from overdevelopment, traffic congestion and parking shortages. Our current zoning ordinances are old, outdated and overlooked. These important issues have been ignored for decades, resulting in developers benefitting more than residents. Developers have been allowed to build in Everett at any cost, regardless of pollution, congestion and other negative effects. We deserve better. So, I’ve been working with the Planning Board to amend our zoning ordinances to better suit the needs of our community — now and in the future — and to require developers to deliver more benefits to our community. I have also organized stakeholders to create a Master Plan for Ward 3, including Glendale Square. I am an independent voice representing our residents and advocating for our health and safety.
Wynn Casino Expansion and Renegotiation Wynn is proposing an Encore Boston Harbor East of Broadway expansion. Unfortunately, Everett came up short in the first negotiation of the Host Agreement with Wynn. We deserve better. I would not approve expansion plans until we have an updated agreement that supports the interests of Everett’s residents much more thoroughly. I’ve pushed to negotiate a new Host Agreement. In our negotiations, we must consider the full scope of Wynn’s growth, including the future expansion of 50 more acres. For example, Wynn currently only has to pay Everett an annual escalator of 2.5%, a rate far less than the rate our property taxes increase each year. Wynn should be required to collaborate and pay more, generate more green space, create more open public/private areas, and put any new parking structures below ground. More of my ideas on this topic are published in the Everett Independent opinion section on June 7, 2023.
City Budget Stewardship, Allocation and Transparency The City’s operating budget is where all of our hard-earned tax dollars are allocated and spent. That money is meant to provide services to our citizens. Unfortunately, our budget approval process has lacked proper oversight and expertise for too long. We deserve better. As a business person and financial professional, I understand how to manage finances wisely — and in the open. In under a year, I’ve learned our City’s budget and will push for much-needed improvements. I’ve already increased transparency and accountability, and I am beginning the process of saving us money AND increasing services. (Meanwhile, legal fees are costing us all $1 million and counting…)
Let’s Talk I’d like to continue to work really hard for our community. I’ve been an active member of several committees and hold a perfect attendance record. Your vote keeps my independent voice on the Everett City Council, a voice that will push for your best interest, for our community’s best interest, not for some special interest group. I’m engaged in our community and I’d like to hear from you. I hold office hours every Tuesday morning at The Well Coffee House and Tuesday afternoons at City Hall. I often join Mystic Valley Elder Services at the Whittier Community Center on Friday mornings for coffee hour. Please reach out to me directly to schedule an appointment, in person or Zoom, with your availability. I’d love to meet you and I hope to have your vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. We deserve better — and we can get it! Thank you,
Darren Costa Ward 3 City Councilor and 2023 Candidate for Re-Election
Everett, MA Darren4Everett.com (617) 544-7089 Facebook and Instagram: @Darren4Everett
As the New England weather warms and we prepare for the City Council’s summer break, I’ve reflected on my first year in office. Below is a letter announcing my appointment as your Ward 3 City Councilor. As campaign season heats up, I’ve been spending time with family and loved ones to assess my goals, accomplishments and challenges.
Everett is moving forward with change and progress. It’s only just begun. We’ve worked together to complete my discovery period. I rolled up my sleeves to gain a deep knowledge of operations and the financial management practices at City Hall. I’ve grown to master the budget, which will
drive significant operational efficiencies. Over time, this translates into property tax growth stabilization. It’s become clear to me, Everett deserves better
Please read my letter below from late 2022. I am committed to using my experience to continue driving progress and delivering change.
Dear Ward 3 Resident,
I hope you have had a wonderful summer!
My name is Darren Costa, your Ward 3 Everett City Councilor. I live here with my beautiful wife, our son and newest addition, our 3 month old baby girl. We chose Everett as a home and community that felt right to raise our family in, but also know that building a great community is not a passive activity. It takes working together to identify opportunities and finding solutions so that Everett is a place where all young families can find home and then age in comfort. This was why I ran in 2021 and why I believe that my experience as a Certified Public Accountant and leader in private business will lend itself to analyze and think critically about decisions that impact you and me both.
You may or may not know that while I ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2021, I was appointed to that open seat just three short months ago. I took the summer to acclimate myself to the role and familiarize myself with the nuances of local government. I also had a newborn to keep me busy (and tired!).
As the City Council resumes it’s regular meeting schedule, I want to make sure all of my neighbors in Ward 3 know how to reach me and feel comfortable doing so. Whether by phone, text, email, or meeting up for a coffee or walk around Glendale Park, it’s important that I hear about what matters to you and how we can work together to continue to build an Everett that is home for us all.
Feel free to contact me at (617) 544-7089 by phone or text, Darren4Everett@icloud.com by email, or follow me on Facebook or Instagram at @Darren4Everett for updates and information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Wynn Palace located in the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (MSAR).
The Mass Gaming Commission (MGC) held a public hearing on April 25th in their Everett City Council Chambers to discuss the proposed Encore Casino East of Broadway expansion project. A major topic was whether to hold a vote for the expansion of the Encore Casino. Overall, I support a Wynn LLC expansion in Everett’s “Entertainment District” — under some critical conditions. Given the material increase in the Encore Casino’s gaming footprint and operations, including sports gaming, Everett and Wynn need to renegotiate the original Host Agreement.
I support Wynn because they have been a partner in cleaning toxic land, but there is more to be done.
Unfortunately, Everett came up short in the first negotiation of the Host Agreement with Wynn. I would not approve expansion until we have an updated agreement that supports the interests of Everett’s residents much more thoroughly. Until now, there has been minimal contact between Wynn and Everett’s City Council. In 2022, during a City Council meeting, Wynn acknowledged and committed to a negotiation, in good faith, that considers current economic conditions and beyond. We should be ready to bring great ideas forward during this process. Here are a few of mine.
Moving forward, Wynn should lead programs in collaboration with the City of Everett. Everett needs a well-considered and enforced strategy for solving our affordable housing crisis. Currently, Everett only receives a (small) community impact fee and frankly we don’t have the capacity to develop and manage the programs necessary to drive solutions alone. It is impractical to simply accept funding without internal infrastructure to spend it appropriately; we should require ongoing collaboration with Wynn to construct and deliver solutions.
For example, our schools and students would benefit from a more formal partnership with Wynn, complete with compliance, annual reporting and contractual obligation, beyond what’s offered today. They could deliver broader career development opportunities for students, offer Wynn-sponsored programming on-site at schools, and promote student-led civic enhancements.
Have you noticed that Everett has the fewest green spaces and trees in the greater Boston area, which makes suffering from increasing air pollution and heat much worse for our residents (called urban heat island effect)? I have. Poorly-considered expansion will only make this issue worse. That is why I do not support the proposal for three new parking garages to be built above-ground; Wynn can and should install underground parking instead, clearing the area for parks and trees above. We also have the opportunity to require additional green initiatives such as community solar on their extensive rooftop space to reduce the burden on our community’s energy grid.
As a densely populated gateway city, Everett desperately needs more public green space where families can gather and enjoy the outdoors. Wynn’s current proposed plans include minimal open air space and public accessibility to community space. The current renderings of the entrance to the overhead pedestrian bridge appear closed off. It would require a resident to enter the building to cross Broadway. Instead, we could have open and inviting outdoor access to the overhead walking path over Broadway. This public walkway should be clear and welcoming to our residents, similar to the TD Banknorth Garden’s integrated entrance with the MBTA.
On April 11th, I attended the Encore East of Broadway open house at the Encore Casino. It was a wonderful event, however very few Everett residents attended. Everett should require increased community engagement in the city at large, such as sponsoring and participating in events for residents, such as 4th of July, Easter, Halloween, etc. Everett’s Recreation Center draws hundreds of residents and students.
Everett also needs Wynn’s cooperation on transportation. Wynn shuttle service should be expanded, with more routes and more frequent services to connect commuters to local rail stops where the MBTA falls short. The Wynn water taxi to Long Wharf should expand its service and better promote it as a commuting option from Everett into Boston. Everett has a deteriorating overpass in Sweetser circle that should be repaired. We also lack any vision or plan for building MBTA tracks in our city, while MBTA tracks run behind the Encore Boston Harbor Casino.
But is it greedy or inappropriate for us to ask for these things? As a business person and financial professional by day, I don’t think so. Let’s look at the numbers. Encore Boston Harbor paid Everett ~$22 million for Fiscal Year 2023 as a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and a Community Impact Fee of ~$5 million for public safety, other municipal services and the offset of negative impacts to a community due to gambling and drinking per the current negotiated agreement. Consider that Wynn sold the Encore Boston Harbor property for $1.7 billion, which would have generated $42 million in normal property taxes. Also consider the property’s current property assessment is $1.3 billion, which would have generated $32 million in normal property taxes. Everett collected only ~$27 million when we could have received $32-$42 million — a difference of up to $15 million per year! In addition, both the PILOT and Community Impact Fee grow annually at only 2.5%, which is far below inflation. In 2022, Wynn generated over $750 million in revenue and expects that to grow with the legalization of sports gambling, so rest assured they can afford to integrate these common-sense requests for our city.
Given the material increase in the Encore Casino’s gaming footprint and operations, including sports gaming, Everett and Wynn need to renegotiate the original Host Agreement. The Host Agreement, in section 1B items 1 & 2, requires an open negotiation of the Host Community agreement between the City of Everett and Wynn in aggregate, not in pieces.
In summary, I truly believe that Wynn is a beneficial member of our community. I will be encouraged when I hear more details regarding the negotiations of the original Host Agreement, as promised. We need to make our city and its residents a higher priority in this discussion, which is certainly possible. I believe we can continue to be proud to have Wynn as a partner while we work together to develop and support our city wisely — and Wynn can continue to be proud to be a big part of an ever-improving Everett.
Former Ward 3 Councilor Weighs Candidacy for Councilor-at-Large or School Committee-at-Large
Darren Costa picking up Nomination Papers from City Hall
Former Ward 3 City Councilor Darren Costa announced today that he is exploring a return to public service and intends to run for citywide office in Everett. He is currently considering a candidacy for either Councilor-at-Large or School Committee-at-Large, citing serious concerns about citywide governance and fiscal responsibility.
“Everett is at a crossroads,” said Costa. “We need leadership that is transparent, responsive, and committed to restoring public trust. With my experience and deep dedication to our community, I believe I can help lead Everett toward a stronger, more accountable future.”
Costa, who previously represented Ward 3 on the City Council, emphasized that his concerns now span the entire city. “While my roots are in Ward 3, the issues we’re facing—from our schools to our city administration—affect all residents. Running at-large will allow me to more effectively represent and advocate for the entire community.”
Key Issues:
City Administration Oversight: Costa voiced strong concern over recent revelations in a state Inspector General’s report on the mayor’s office. “This should be a wake-up call for Everett,” he said. “Now more than ever, we need stronger oversight, fiscal transparency, and leadership that puts ethics first.”
School Budget Accountability: On the education front, Costa is closely following the Everett School Committee’s FY26 budget process. “With the looming expiration of federal grants, we must ensure every dollar is spent wisely,” Costa said. “Our students, educators, and families deserve thoughtful, transparent budgeting that protects programs and strengthens our schools.”
Costa plans to make a formal campaign announcement in the coming weeks after continuing conversations with residents and stakeholders. “I’m listening closely to the people of Everett to determine where I can make the most meaningful impact,” he said. “Whether on the City Council or School Committee, my commitment remains the same—service with integrity and action for the people of Everett.”
For more information or to get involved, visit www.darren4everett.com or contact Darren directly at darren4everett@icloud.com.
Media Contact:
Farah Costa
Email: darren4everett@icloud.com
Phone: (617) 201-3965
Note: This is a pre-announcement. A formal campaign launch is forthcoming.
Darren Costa, Everett City Councilor 