Casino news source: Cape Cod Online - http://www.capecodonline.com/
New Bedford eager for casino talks with tribe
By SEAN GONSALVES
STAFF WRITER
A decade ago, when the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head was aggressively pursing a casino location in southeastern Massachusetts, Fall River voters narrowly rejected playing host to a casino while New Bedford voters overwhelmingly approved the idea.
Now that the casino debate has been reinvigorated with the recognition of
the Mashpee Wampanoag, David Alves, New Bedford City Council president
and chairman of the council's special committee on gaming and casinos, wants to invite Mashpee tribal leaders to come and talk gaming in the Whaling City.
''It's been in and out of New Bedford's future for a number of years now,'' Alves said of the gaming issue.
''We've had discussions with private developers and the Aquinnah tribe. Now, we are looking to sit down with (Mashpee tribal council chairman) Mr. Marshall. I think what we offer is the most unique and ideal location for a casino.''
In addition to having several old mill and textile areas in New Bedford near the waterfront that have been targeted for re-development, plans are under way to extend commuter rail service to the same area.
''But as things stand now, the commuter line would take people out of the city without having much to draw people into the city,'' Alves said, noting the city also has a Federal Aviation Administration approved airport.
''And we're not just talking a casino but a hotel, restaurants, and all the amenities. I think it's a win-win situation.''
Another casino advantage New Bedford offers, Alves said, is that the vacant mill buildings in the Hicks/Logan area, for example, happen to be conveniently located just off Interstate 195 - the same highway that leads to Connecticut casinos where Bay State residents spent $1 billion last year alone, according to recently published surveys.
(Published: February 25, 2007) |
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