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Private Group Pushes for Casino Move

MILWAUKEE, Minnesota – As reported by the Milwaukee Business Journal: "Some community leaders are working behind the scenes to convince Potawatomi Bingo Casino to relocate from the Menomonee Valley to downtown Milwaukee based on a new study on the feasibility of such a move.

"The study was commissioned by the Milwaukee Redevelopment Corp., a 30-year-old nonprofit group that has been involved in advancing key downtown projects, including the Grand Avenue Mall -- now known as the Shops of Grand Avenue -- the Yankee Hill residences, the Milwaukee Center office building and the Library Hill housing project.

"The possibility of moving the casino to downtown Milwaukee was suggested earlier this year by the Menomonee Valley Partners, a nonprofit association created in 1999 to promote redevelopment of the city's industrial corridor. Supporters contend a casino could boost the downtown economy and draw more casino patrons, while freeing up industrial development space in the Menomonee Valley.

"…Real estate sources said community leaders have been gathering information to persuade Potawatomi leaders to make the move, despite the large investment they have made in the Menomonee Valley location.

"…Moving the casino from the valley to downtown is a complicated proposition that would require the backing of federal and state officials.

"After a site would be selected, local government -- Milwaukee County owns much of the land -- would have to turn over the property to the tribe as trust land, which involves approval from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.

"…The casino relocation proposal has the support of local political leaders, including Milwaukee Mayor John Norquist, Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker and Milwaukee Common Council president Marvin Pratt…"

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