The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs will hold a public hearing on October 15 regarding the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians’ proposed 0 million casino and economic development project in Fruitport Township, Michigan. The development would be built at the former Great Lakes Downs racetrack site. Fruitport Township Supervisor Brian Werschem said, “We’re excited that we have reached the next phase of the project. Just another step in the process, but this was a big step.”
Muskegon County Board of Commissioners Chairman Terry J. Sabo noted, “Our board has on at least two other occasions has supported such a proposal for Fruitport Township. I think it’ll be a positive for Muskegon County as a whole.” Sabo said commissioners might vote a third time at a meeting in remote Northwest Muskegon County, to be held the same night as the BIA hearing.
Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli recently pointed out throughout the seven years the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has pursued the casino development, local and regional officials have strongly supported the endeavor. Supporters have included Fruitport Township, Fruitport Schools, Muskegon County and West Michigan trade unions, Romanelli said. In June 2014 both Fruitport Township and Muskegon County passed resolutions of support for the casino.
Fruitport Township Supervisor Brian Werschem said the casino could draw more than 1 million visitors to Muskegon County annually, serving as an “anchor destination.” Werschem noted, “Other businesses are going to want to be a part of those million-plus people coming in. This truly will be an economic development catalyst for the region.” He added the Muskegon location is significantly larger than the tribe’s Manistee location, which employs 885 people. The Muskegon casino would create 1,200 jobs, estimated to pay an average $45,000 a year, “a solid middle-class income,” Werschem said.
Opposition to the project is largely unorganized. Gary Post, a local developer and construction company owner who has opposed casinos in the region said he was not aware of any opposition groups. “Personally, I’m opposed to it. I continue to believe they end up to be a net drain on the community, and I believe there are studies that bear that out.” He added claims about the casino’s economic benefits have been overstated. “Whatever money gets spent in the casino doesn’t get spent elsewhere,” Post said.
