The South Bend Common Council voted Monday night, April 13, in support of a resolution for a casino site in South Bend.
The resolution passed with a unanimous vote to support the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians casino plans, WSBT reports.
Supporters say it would bring more jobs, according to WSBT, but foes say plans are moving too swiftly, or a casino just isn’t needed in South Bend.
Citizens for a Better Michiana — a community advocacy group — released a statement Monday night renouncing the plans.
- RELATED: Activists demand more public hearings on proposed South Bend casino, April 13, 2015
“It’s unfortunate that the South Bend Common Council would rush through a resolution like this just hours before the only scheduled public hearing on the Michiana tribal casino plan,” spokesman Jake Teshka said in the statement. “In doing so, they are endorsing speculative short-term gains over the guaranteed long-term negative effects of a casino in our backyard.”
Individuals have an opportunity to speak for or against the casino plans during the Bureau of Indian Affairs hearing from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the South Bend Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St., South Bend.
The project would be about $480 million, WNDU reports, and would include a casino, hotel and tribal citizen housing and a medical unit.
