The planned spring groundbreaking for Wynn Resorts’ Everett casino and other activities related to the project are now “effectively on hold,” the casino operator announced on Thursday.

In a press conference, Wynn Everett President Robert DeSalvio said the move was a result of Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone’s appeal that questions the environmental permit that Wynn Everett received from the Department of Environmental Protection early this year.

“All of that, due to this appeal that was put in by the city of Somerville,” DeSalvio said, according to Boston.com. “With these announcements, basically, the construction of the Wynn resort is effectively on hold.”

In addition, a project-related hiring freeze will go into effect. This new setback is expected to not only affect the thousands of construction workers who will build the casino resort, but also the thousands others who are expected to be hired when the complex opens.