Newton's Land Use Committee approves Kino permit despite Ward 5 councilors' opposition

The Newton City Council convened on July 14, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, with a significant focus on a special permit request for the Kino lottery game at the Echo Bridal restaurant located at 1064-1070 Chestnut Street in Upper Falls. The meeting followed a prior land use committee session held on July 8, where the proposal was initially reviewed.

During the meeting, restaurant owner Paul Virgilio presented plans for the installation of two video lottery screens, emphasizing that Kino would only be accessible to patrons aged 21 and over. Support for the proposal was voiced by the owner, patrons, and community members, who highlighted the restaurant's long-standing presence and family-friendly atmosphere. A petition in favor of the request, signed by customers, and a letter of support from the local chamber of commerce were also presented, arguing that the addition of Kino would enhance business operations.

Despite this support, the proposal faced significant opposition from the Ward 5 councilors, who collectively voted against it. Concerns were raised regarding the potential adverse impact of increased gambling opportunities on the neighborhood. Councilor Humphrey articulated that the councilors' stance was not a moral judgment but rather a protective measure for the community, citing previous opposition to similar proposals in the area.

The councilors expressed that state-run lottery games, such as Kino, do not contribute positively to economic development and instead drain financial resources from the community. They argued that the lottery system disproportionately affects less affluent neighborhoods, pulling millions of dollars out of local economies without providing any direct benefits, unlike other forms of regulated business such as cannabis sales.

The final vote on the special permit request resulted in a 6-2 decision in favor of the proposal, with two councilors opposing it. The matter has been placed on second call by Councilor Humphrey, indicating that further discussion and potential reconsideration may occur in future meetings. The council's deliberations reflect ongoing tensions between community interests and the expansion of gambling in Massachusetts.