 Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter! |
Gaming News
Casino Task Force Sends Message to Seneca Nation31 January 2003NEW YORK – As reported by the Buffalo News: "A task force that is helping to steer potential casino development in Buffalo sent a clear message to the Seneca Nation of Indians on Thursday, insisting that an agreement be negotiated to address many lingering concerns, including parking and public safety services. "The panel, made up of business executives, government officials and other civic leaders, unanimously backed Mayor Anthony M. Masiello's push for a separate agreement that deals with issues that have cropped up in Niagara Falls and that were not spelled out in a gambling compact between the state and the Seneca Nation. "…Natalie A. Hemlock, vice chairwoman of the Seneca Niagara Casino board of directors, said that there have been only `very preliminary discussions' focusing mainly on potential locations for another casino. The Seneca Nation opened its first casino in Niagara Falls a month ago. "…Some members of the task force said that in light of the state gambling compact, there is no `legal hammer' requiring the Seneca Nation to negotiate a separate pact with the city. But Masiello's chief legal adviser said that signing an agreement would also be in the Senecas' interest. Corporation Counsel Michael B. Risman said a casino operator should want to have everything spelled out relating to traffic control, infrastructure needs, sewer and water service and many other issues. "…State Sen. Byron W. Brown, D-Buffalo, thinks that Niagara Falls officials left too many unanswered questions that have since caused parking problems, traffic tie-ups and other problems…" |