In 2012, the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians announced plans to build a $250 million casino next to the convention center in downtown Lansing, Michigan. With the contract for the property set to expire January 1, 2019, chances are slim the casino will be built. It also has been opposed by other tribes and state officials, and the tribe’s land-trust application was rejected last July by the federal government.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said he’s still willing to discuss a casino with tribal officials, “but at this point, it’s moot because the federal government has said no to any casino in Lansing.”
The tribe, however, still is hopeful. Spokesman John Wernet said, “Our tribal board of directors remains resolute and fully committed to the project. We are actively engaged in charting a path forward, trying to make sure we are pursuing the right strategy and that we have assembled the resources necessary to carry us to a successful conclusion. We have no intention of giving up or going away.”
Wernet added, “The tribe’s rights under the Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act are not tied to any particular parcel of land. If the city were to decide to abandon plans for a casino adjacent to the Lansing Center, the tribe could certainly look at alternative locations in Lansing or elsewhere.”
Schor commented, “I’ve never been shy about the fact that I’m not excited to have it in the downtown. I would like to have the dollars and things produced from a casino, that go to our students and Lansing schools, but I think there might be other locations that are better suited for it. But at this point, it doesn’t matter because the federal government said ‘No’ and that’s the answer we have right now.”
Other developer may be interested in the land, Schor said. “Not officially, but I’ve had people mention that there are other uses that can be made out of that property,” he stated.
The proposed casino was strongly supported by former Mayor Virg Bernero, who worked closely with the tribe to move the project forward.
