It was announced mere hours ago that all seven members of the South Bend Common Council have voted in favor of the proposed casino and tribal village for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians at a Monday meeting on the matter.
The project was previously estimated at $480 million and is planned to feature a 500-room hotel, housing for members of the tribe, a casino floor, etc. According to latest data, more than 1,400 construction jobs will be created. Furthermore, once the hotel and casino are launched, 2,000 people will be employed permanently to maintain the facilities and to serve the needs of their visitors.
As previously reported, District 6 Councilman Oliver Davis is among the keen supporters of the project. He called the partnership between the Pokagon Band and the city a strategic one.
District 5 Councilman Dr. David Varner expressed hopes that an agreement that would benefit both members of the tribe and South Bend residents will be reached.
During the meeting, citizens were also allowed to state their opinion and it seems that the project has both keen supporters and opponents.
Owners of businesses located in a near proximity to the village site pointed out that its construction would create a great number of new jobs for residents.
Others, however, expressed concerns that the launch of the casino would have a negative impact on community, as “gambling promotes a vice” that does not need any further promotion.
Minutes after the end of the meeting, John P. Warren, Tribal Council Chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, said in a statement that the tribe has always been in good relations with South Bend and is looking forward to working together on the project.
The announcement of the Council’s decision was followed by yet another statement. Jake Teshka, a spokesman for Citizens for a Better Michiana, a group of South Bend residents that opposes the construction of the casino, said that it would certainly affect the city in a negative manner, despite the short-term gains it might initially bring.
The South Bend Common Council voted on the multimillion project only a day before the public hearing on the casino plan was to be held. It is scheduled to take place today, April 14, at the city’s Century Center.
Citizens for a Better Michiana asked for more hearings to be held in future but it is still uncertain whether their request will be considered.
