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Connecticut Casino Plan Abandoned

"The action angered some officials and city residents who saw the casino, which was to be located on 200 acres, as a business that could save the cash-strapped city.

"…Representatives of the Trumbull tribe said they decided pull the contact earlier Tuesday during a meeting in which city officials demanded detailed business and economic impact studies to move the project forward.

"…`The Golden Hill Paugussett tribe looks as if it does not want to sit down with city administrators,' said City Council President John M. Fabrizi, D-134.

"Before the meeting, City Attorney Mark Anastasi was optimistic about the committee passing a `modified' version of the contract, which would have been forwarded to the full City Council for consideration at next Monday's meeting.

"Signing the contract now, however, would have given Bridgeport an estimated 10 percent of slot-machine revenue, estimated at $50 million to $60 million. Waterbury, the original site for the casino, could have received 3 percent, or about $18 million, said Bernard Wishnia, the tribe's New Jersey-based attorney.

"…`The city of Bridgeport was in a position to enter into a unique agreement that has never been done before in the country. A sovereign organization was going to pay millions to the city and other distressed cities,' said Wishnia.

"However, the contract hinged on the tribe successfully gaining federal recognition from the U.S…"

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