Casino News

Middleborough casino tribe to control more land

2007-08-15 16:48:42

The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is trying to acquire more land for its proposed casino resort in Middleborough, near Boston, it has emerged.

According to reports, the tribe is hoping to gain control of another 205 acres in the town. The tribe already owns 125 acres outright and has options on a further 201 acres.

Although the $1 billion casino and hotel is expected to take up 100 acres, the rest of the land is needed as a buffer zone.

The tribe has said it wants to place the entire 531 acres in federal trust, making it exempt from local and state control.

Last month, local residents voted 2,387 to 1,335 in favour of the casino, although neighbouring communities have said they should have a voice in future decisions.

In return for permission to build the casino, Middleborough would receive $250 million in infrastructure improvements and up to $11 million in annual payments.