FeedsRomulus could get 2 casinos
It’s possible that the City of Romulus may house two casinos, after all.
Representatives from the Sioux Indians contacted the city recently to restart negotiations that had halted in 2004. The tribe successfully lobbied the city for a ballot issue in 2003 that paved the way for gaming in the city.
Mayor Alan Lambert said the interest of the tribe could mean that two casinos as opposed to one could be constructed near Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
“They contacted us to talk again,” he said. “The reason they lost interest is that they had an election, and the new chairman wasn’t as interested in coming to Romulus. But we’ve met three or four
times, and they definitely want to learn more.”
The renewed interest was confirmed when Romulus officials received a letter stating that the tribe would like to re-open negotiations. Every trustee on the tribal board signed the letter.
Bringing casinos in the city has proved to be a long process, but officials said they would not give up on the concept.
In 2005, the Hannahville Indian Tribe signed a deal with the city to open a casino on Vining Road near the airport. State and federal approvals are still pending on that proposal.
A lawsuit that was filed against the State of Michigan 11 years ago would allow the Sioux Indians to avoid at least part of a lengthy state approval process. As part of the lawsuit settlement, the tribe was granted approval to build a casino in Romulus, Flint or Monroe in a land swap.
The deal would hinge on whether the tribe could obtain required federal support for their project from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
A second casino would mean a revenue bonanza for the state and city.
Because Indian Casinos don’t pay traditional property taxes, a separate agreement that would specify revenue would have to be signed by the city and tribe. The Hannahville agreement could bring in as much as $10 million in revenue to the city, and 2,000 jobs.
Lambert said he believes there’s enough traffic at the airport to support two casinos, especially if one builds a convention center as the city would like.
“That would make the city a destination,” he said.
He also said he believes the jobs situation in the area will ultimately push through needed approvals.
“I think the federal officials know there are some cities and areas that are in trouble when it comes to jobs,” he said.
City officials are scheduled to meet with the tribe in a few weeks, Lambert said.
