After Failed Casino Pitch, Foxborough Moves Forward
The relationship between the town of Foxborough and the Kraft Group, owner of Route 1 landmarks Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place, is an interesting study of the peaks and valleys two parties may traverse when the stakes are high
The impact the Kraft Group has had on the town since buying the New England Patriots in 1994 is undeniable. Far and away the largest taxpayer, and contributor to capital improvement projects through a payment-in-lieu of tax agreement for the Gillette property, Foxborough officials say there's much the town wouldn't have done over the years if it weren't for the revenue generated by Robert Kraft's family-operated empire.
But a recent saga that brought the flashy Las Vegas casino industry to the town's doorstep seemed to test Foxborough's love for the Kraft Group.
Over a period of five months, casino developer Steve Wynn tried to woo the town into accepting a $1 billion casino and hotel complex that he wanted to build on Kraft property directly across Route 1.
Voters issued a referendum on the move when they elected anti-casino members to the Foxborough Board of Selectmen in May, effectively squelching any chance for a gambling entity to gain approval to set up shop in their backyard.
The move spoke volumes. But had the tide turned against the Kraft Group, which supports town coffers more than any other entity in town? Or was there simply no appetite for a casino in town?
William Grieder, vice chairman of the Planning Board, leans toward the latter. There's already a major entity driving huge crowds into town several times a year—between game days and concerts—and while hosting the Patriots is a source of pride, Grieder said Foxborough residents have their limits.
"On any given sold out event, there's four times the town's population inside the walls of the stadium," Grieder said. "It has a tremendous effect on the public facilities and services."
While the Kraft Group pays for police details for events, the game-day log jam is always a consideration for people who need to travel Route 1. Grieder also thinks voters may have been influenced by the social problems that often stem from casino gambling.
But the financial benefits of hosting The Kraft Group are certainly attractive. The payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement was established when the stadium was built. The Kraft Group inherited the system, which generates revenue to the town based on ticket sales for events at Gillette.
The PILOT agreement generated $1.95 million for capital expenses in fiscal year 2012, according to Foxborough Finance Director Randy Scollins. The Kraft Group also paid $2.88 million in real estate taxes in fiscal 2012. The PILOT revenue funds the town capital improvement fund, which has allowed the town to invest in necessary improvements while maintaining services as other towns have cut back.
"I think we're very fortunate in that respect that we have that facility here," Grieder said.
After the Board of Selectmen election in May, The Kraft Group deferred to voters and backed off the casino proposal. Representatives from the company and town officials have agreed to move forward amicably, as both parties have plans for economic development that need tending to.
The Foxborough Planning Board is overseeing a master plan focused on economic revitalization throughout town, and The Kraft Group is looking for a purpose for its undeveloped land, Grieder said.
Jeffrey Cournoyer, director of corporate communications for The Kraft Group, declined comment on behalf of the company.
If anyone can offer perspective on the importance of the town's relationship with The Kraft Group moving forward, it's Jack Authelet, a 79-year-old who has lived his entire life in Foxborough. With the casino business in the past, Authelet believes the town will, and should, continue a good working relationship with the Krafts.
"Of course they want to make money, and we'd better hope they do," Authelet said.
Authelet, an expert on town history, remembers vividly how Foxborough became the home of the then Boston Patriots more than 60 years ago. A businessman named Billy Sullivan wanted to build a stadium in Boston, but it was a difficult proposition.
The owner of the Baystate Raceway, the harness racing track that used to be next to what is now Gillette Stadium, offered Sullivan land, and he decided to move his new American Football League team to the little-known southern 495 town about halfway between Boston and Providence.
Ninety-eight percent of voters approved the construction of Sullivan Stadium on Route 1, according to Authelet, who worked as a local newspaper editor.
"We've never had a vote that overwhelming," Authelet said.
The Patriots put Foxborough on the map, but the difficulties of managing the crowds, and public nuisance complaints over the years, were considerable. There was also conflict between the owners of the raceway and the stadium, according to Authelet. But when The Kraft Group purchased the team and the raceway in 1994, it ushered in a new era of stability.
The Krafts have since turned the Patriots into a first-rate organization, opening the brand-new Gillette Stadium in 2002 and leading the formerly struggling team to the top of the NFL. A few years later, the shopping and dining destination Patriot Place opened next door, becoming another high-profile fixture on Route 1. Authelet said these projects have been carried out with responsibility and professionalism.
"I honestly believe Bob Kraft has kept every single promise he's made to this town," Authelet said.
But what's it really like to deal with having such a famous organization in close proximity on a daily basis? Local business managers don't seem to mind much. Some even make money a little side money from selling parking spaces on game days.
Still, Gillette Stadium certainly is a force to be reckoned with, according to Ben Derrick, manager of CityGolf, a stadium neighbor to the north. In fact, the business chooses to steer clear of the mayhem by closing on game days, when Route 1 is narrowed with orange traffic cones as police direct fans to parking areas.
"Due to the traffic patterns on football Sundays, it makes it impossible to get to work, unless we come n very early or stay very late," Derrick said.
But calling the Patriots a neighbor has its perks, too. Derrick said the facility has given golf lessons to players like Jerod Mayo—so it's easy to take the good with the bad.
Employees at Glass America, a car window and windshield replacement shop, have been star struck from time to time, too. Susan Ramos, the office manager, said employees have been thrilled to work on cars belonging to Vince Wilfork, Tedy Bruschi, and Kevin Faulk.
Patriot Place is a huge draw for business from average customers, too, Ramos said. And it's convenient for people working in the area.
"On Christmas Eve you can go up and get your presents after work. Without (Patriot Place), there's nowhere to go," Ramos said. n
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