Lansing Casino Plans Move Forward, Not Without Resistance
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe has filed the official paperwork with The U.S. Department of the Interior to take approximately 3 acres east of the Lansing Center into trust, in efforts to build a quarter-billion dollar casino at the corner of Cedar St. and Michigan Ave. This has been an ongoing battle between tribes and State of Michigan government leaders. Attorney General Bill Schuette is spearheading the the anti-effort, while tribal leaders have full support of Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.
Proponents will argue the positive effects of increased tourism to Lansing, job creation, and commercial traffic around downtown. The naysayers are concerned about crime rates increasing, a decrease of traffic to existing downtown businesses, gambling habits and their effects on the region. Let's not kid ourselves, I'm sure there are some tribes with nearby existing casinos influencing State officials to resist efforts, too. And, let's not forget the three private, commercial casinos in Detroit that are already hurting from Toledo's Hollywood Casino.
The Sault Tribe and Bernero continue their fight, as the State contemplates their next move. This battle is far from over, stay tuned.
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