On April 29, 2007, top officials from New Bedford commented that they will double their efforts to convince the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Tribe to construct a casino in the city, despite their plans to build a casino in Middleboro.
New Bedford City Councilor, David Alves, said that Mashpee officials will be pursuing the second best option if they build a casino in Middleboro. Alves said that they will continue to market their 95 acre waterfront location as a good location for a casino. He added that Middleboro did not confirm whether they would accept it or not.
The federal status given to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gives the tribe the right to own and manage bingo facilities within 50 miles of their tribal land on Cape Cod, but the tribe wants state officials to pass a legislation that will allow them to build a casino in Connecticut like the Mohegan Sun.
New Bedford City Councilor, Brian Gomes, commented that a casino would open new job opportunities for the city. It would also help the city's 9% unemployment rate. Marsha Brunelle, Chairwoman of the Middleboro Board of Selectmen, commented that her town offers a prime spot for a casino facility.
The town of Brockton also showed an interest in having a casino in their area. Nonetheless, City Council President, Dennis Eaniri, commented that the proposal is not possible because they have no space to host the project.
Patrick has a committee that is currently reviewing whether they have the means to expand casino gambling aside from the current Massachusetts Lottery and the 4 racing tracks.
Herb Strather, a casino developer from Detroit, is supporting the Mashpee Tribe's land purchase in Middleboro. The land is located off Route 44 and close to interstate 495. Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman, Glenn Marshall has said that they have not made a final decision regarding the casino in Middleboro; they are still considering other sites.
05/22/2007 20:08 PM
Richard Kennedy