Local officials aren’t happy about the Shinnecock Nation’s plans to build a casino on tribal lands in Southampton.
The tribe approved the plans for the casino in December, according to Newsday. As currently planned, the casino would total 76,000 square feet and include video lottery machines, 30 poker tables, and a bingo parlor.
The casino plan was announced Wednesday. The same day, Southampton Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said the town would “explore our options” regarding the plan. He voiced concerns about the impact of a casino on Montauk Highway traffic, according to the report. Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said the casino could cause “real harm to the surrounding area.”
Tribal chairman Bryan Polite framed it as an existential issue for the tribe.
“For over 350 years, others have profited from our name while we must fight to develop economic projects on our own sovereign territory,” he said. He added that “the Shinnecock Nation and its people continue to fight to exist.”
[Newsday] — Dennis Lynch