Michigan Casino Plan Faces Questions
7 March 2006
PORT HURON, Michigan – As reported by the Port Huron Times Herald: "More questions than answers emerged from a massive casino and resort hotel proposal unveiled on Monday in Port Huron.
"Details are few about a group called Port Huron Development, which records show is based in Clinton Township.
"Representatives of the group briefed the City Council on a plan to build a 500-room hotel, casino and indoor water-park resort that would encompass nearly 20 acres of city-owned and private land around the YMCA of the Blue Water Area on Fort Street. A number of businesses along Huron Avenue, and the former St. Clair County Jail on Bard Street, would have to be razed for the project.
"Massive renovations to McMorran Place and a vague plan to possibly buy the Port Huron Flags minor league hockey team, which plays at McMorran, were the other half of Monday's proposal. No price tag was discussed.
"…City administrators plan to send developers a list of questions before making a recommendation to the council.
"City Manager Tom Hutka said many questions must be answered before any negotiations begin, from the specifics of the plans to funding.
"…The development group, formed a year ago, said it has a relationship with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians from the western Upper Peninsula.
"Tribal Chairman James Williams, however, said Monday afternoon that while the tribe has talked about possible projects with Port Huron Development, it has no deal to build anything anywhere…"