Casinos news

Muskegon County Board Supports Ottawa Indians Casino Proposal

On July 18th, 2008, a proposal by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to construct a casino on the location of the former Great Lakes Downs drew support from the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners. The board's support, which was unanimous among the commissioners, aside from the request of support from the Fruitport Township in the future, are the initial steps in a getting state and federal recognition for the tribe's second casino facility in West Michigan.

The county's approval came after the announcement made by Little River officials that they had bought the former racing track property in the township located at the junction of I-96 and U.S. 31. The tribe plans to build a $100 million Class III casino facility that will feature casino table games, slot machines and other Class III games and is planning to negotiate to buy more land near the GLD location.

The tribe's chief, Larry Romanelli said that they are on schedule to finish the project. He said that this is a major undertaking for them so they are really serious about it. Talks accompanied the board's decision. Its supporting resolution stated the casino's expected contributed to the economy of the county and the eight hundred to one thousand jobs that it will provide residents. Both the county and the township would greatly benefit from the profit sharing payments from the casino.

The leader of the anti-casino organization, Positively Muskegon, Gary Post said that he was disappointed with the support of the county board to the casino proposal without asking the public for their opinion.

 

08/05/2008 04:34 PM
Davis Coulter