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Connecticut Tribe Looking at Sites for Casino22 March 2001NEW LONDON, Connecticut –March 22, 2001 –As reported by the Associated Press: " The Eastern Pequot Indian tribe, anticipating federal recognition, is looking at 15 sites in Connecticut that could serve as home for a third Indian casino. "`'New London is our first choice. We are expending our energy here now,' said David A. Rosow, who is representing the Easterns in economic development investments. "…Rosow said the Easterns want to build a roughly 180,000-square-foot casino and hotel designed to attract 20,000 people a day. Visitors would arrive by car, train and boat. Cruise ships and yachts could dock at the deep-water port. "…Land for a casino would be taken into trust for the tribe by the federal government, and the city would not collect any taxes. But should the tribe acquire the land, they would make a $3 million annual donation to the city, Rosow said. "Before the tribe could build a casino it would have to first become federally recognized, take over all 60 acres at State Pier and negotiate a gaming compact with the state. "…The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs last year granted preliminary recognition to the Eastern Pequot and the Paucatuck Eastern Pequot tribes, a decision being challenged by the state, along with Preston, Ledyard and North Stonington. "…Deputy Mayor Peg Curtin said she opposes the plan. The project would not help the city economically, she said, and would not draw tourists into the rest of the city. She believes it would deter other businesses from coming to New London and land values would go down…" |