BOSTON &#8212 The battle over the lone casino license in eastern Massachusetts took on an odd twist this week when the mayor of one of the host cities made loose accusations that a surrounding community was purposefully disrupting traffic patterns.

Everett Mayor Carlo DeMaria backhandedly accused Boston of causing traffic problems in the area of Sullivan Square during the closing remarks of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s host community meeting on Tuesday at the Edward G. Connolly Center.

Recently released transcripts and video of the meeting show DeMaria said during his closing remarks that it took him over an hour to travel from Everett to Boston for a meeting in the city. DeMaria said that he encountered congestion caused by the closure of an underpass connecting Rutherford Avenue with Route 99.

DeMaria told the commission that the cause of the congestion was not clearly apparent and that it was something that needed to be investigated. DeMaria said that he observed a police detail on scene but the reason for this presence, like the congestion, was not clear.

"I was a little disappointed, and if you need to further that investigation, I’d love to provide you with any information you need. But that was a little disappointing and disheartening to understand because I don’t play games," said DeMaria.

DeMaria said at the hearing that the Department of Conservation and Recreation was looking into the matter.

DCR Press Secretary William Hickey said, however, that their office was not contacted by Everett officials that week about traffic problems in Sullivan Square.

DeMaria office later clarified his comments at the hearing in a statement to MassLive saying that he brought up traffic disruption to raise awareness about the "the importance of the underpass and its effect on the city of Everett — as evidenced by congested traffic following what appears to be a brief, and yet unexplained closure."

"Mayor DeMaria and the City of Everett look forward to working with Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston to find an equitable solution for Sullivan Square that is harmonious with our respective development goals and with the needs of our residents," said the statement from DeMaria’s office.

Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s office said in a statement that the traffic disruption was related to ongoing MassDOT work in the area and that the city provided them with a police detail to assist in the matter.

"The city of Boston takes roadway safety very seriously, and would never intentionally impede roadway access to make a statement. Sullivan Square was recently repaved for the first time in more than 25 years, and improving traffic circulation through the area is an ongoing effort," said Walsh press secretary Melina Schuler.

MassDOT press secretary Kelly Smith told MassLive that they had not received any complaints from Everett about their work in the Sullivan Square area

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