Gila casino considers options
Jul. 3, 2007 12:00 AM

Chandler's mayor and state senator say there are "strong indications" that the Gila River Indian Community's Lone Butte Casino will not move to a controversial site near Gilbert Road and Hunt Highway.

State Sen. Jay Tibshraeny and Mayor Boyd Dunn talked with Gila Gov. William Rhodes recently and confirmed the community is considering another location near the Chandler border, Kyrene Road south of the Santan Freeway. A site close to Casa Grande also has been proposed.

Lone Butte needs a new location because the Gila community plans to move its larger Wild Horse Pass Casino closer to Interstate 10 and state rules require casinos to be at least a mile and a half apart. 
  
"Nothing is final until the Tribal Council votes on it, but indications are that they will be moving the casino to another location," Tibshraeny said.

Dunn said he wants more details but, so far, has no objection to the Kyrene Road site. Some Chandler neighbors protested the Gilbert Road spot because it is close to homes and schools and lacks efficient transportation infrastructure.

Community members objected because they had invested millions in irrigation improvements for agriculture that would be displaced by the casino.

Dunn said the casino issue prompted more communication between the Gila River Indian Community and city officials and talks of more frequent meetings. "We need to have discussions when we put any uses along our borders," he said.

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