The tribal council of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians recently voted 4-3 to start construction on a new $50 million, 6-story waterfront hotel and casino in Peshawbestown, Michigan this spring. The tribe owns the Leelanau Sands Casino and Lodge which would close once the new venue is completed.
Tribal Councilor Tom Shomis said, “It’s not just the gaming market it’s the whole peninsula market. There’s not many rooms here on the Leelanau peninsula, but the peninsula itself is growing a diverse economy and we want to be a part of that.” Shomis noted contractors have been hired and already are working on infrastructure.
Supporters of the new casino and hotel said the tribe has talked about a new venue for 30 years. They said it will attract more traffic and create opportunities for economic growth.
However, Tribal Chairman Thurlow “Sam” McClellan stated, “I’m not sure that we okayed all of the plans. There’s a lot of problems that are involved in this. A lot of areas that we have yet to shore up on, including our finances.” Thurlow added, “These people that are proposing it are the ones that are running for office, so I said it’s an election ploy. They are looking for votes. I’m not against looking at having a new casino out here, but I think that we totally need to relook at the numbers because they are not adding up.”
In response, Shomis said, “Someone who would say that this is an election ploy is probably someone who is maybe in a recall themselves. I’m excited to be a part of this and I’m really happy that we are moving forward because I believe this will be something that will help our community for the next generation.”
