<p>Construction has begun on a large bingo hall planned by the tribe in Aquinnah — and tribal leaders have issued a stern warning to the town and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to not interfere.</p>
Construction has begun on a large bingo hall planned by the Wampanoag tribe in Aquinnah — and tribal leaders have issued a stern warning to the town and the Martha’s Vineyard Commission to not interfere or face aggressive legal action.
Clearing is now evident on tribe-owned property off Black Brook and State Roads where the bingo hall is planned. In a press release that went out Saturday night, Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), formally announced the start of construction.
Williams Building Co. of Hyannis is the general contractor, tribal leaders said in an announcement.
Williams Building Co. of Hyannis is the general contractor, tribal leaders said in an announcement.
“We remain committed to bringing positive economic development to our tribe, the town of Aquinnah and our neighbors in the larger Island community,” the statement said in part. “We bring to life the vision for this entertainment experience.”
Among other things, the announcement confirms that the plan calls for building a 10,000-square-foot facility to house 250 electronic gaming machines, a beer and wine bar, outdoor seating and food trucks. Once it is up and operating, the casino will employ about 100 full and part-time workers, the announcement also said. Williams Building Co. of Hyannis is the general contractor.
The tribe had previously announced its partnership with Global Gaming Solutions, a business entity of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, to develop the project.
Last week, work was underway on the site, formerly known as the Wiener property, which had been acquired by the tribe. Trees and brush had been removed and heavy equipment was visible from State Road.
The land clearing and formal announcement of construction come as the Martha’s Vineyard Commission is considering whether to review the bingo hall as a development of regional impact (DRI). Aquinnah and Chilmark selectmen have both asked for the review.
Simultaneous with the press announcement on Saturday, Ms. Andrews Maltais released an exchange of letters between the tribe, the commission and the town of Aquinnah last week.
The first was a letter hand delivered to Ms. Andrews-Maltais on Feb. 20 from MVC executive director Adam Turner, notifying her of the referrals from the two towns and requesting a meeting on Monday, Feb. 25.
“We trust that as the representatives of the original Islanders you share our desire to preserve the unique values of the Vineyard,” the letter said in part. “Regardless of political boundaries we are one Island.”
Responding by letter on Friday, Feb. 22, Ms. Andrews-Maltais said the commission lacks jurisdiction to review the project. She pointed to the decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upholding the tribe’s sovereign rights to build a gaming facility under federal law, and the subsequent denial by the U.S. Supreme Court last year to hear the town’s petition for review, ending the case.
Casino planned for area adjacent to community center.
Casino planned for area adjacent to community center.
“If the MVC embraces that court decision and acknowledges that the MVC lacks jurisdiction over the gaming project, the tribe is more than happy to engage in a government-to-government dialogue,” Ms. Andrews-Maltais wrote. She said while the tribe had been unaware of Chilmark’s referral to the commission, she strongly criticized Aquinnah for seeking MVC review of the bingo hall. “It is unfortunate that the town has involved the MVC (and now the town of Chilmark) in an attempt to further the town’s longstanding agenda of interference with the tribe’s exercise of its rights under federal law to have a gaming facility on its tribal lands on the Island,” Ms. Andrews-Maltais wrote.
Meanwhile, in an even more sharply worded letter sent to the Aquinnah selectmen on Friday, Ms. Andrews-Maltais demanded that the town withdraw its letter to the MVC or face severed ties and legal action.
“Even after losing in the highest court in the land (at no small monetary cost to all parties), the town now seeks to do what it now knows cannot be done directly,” she wrote. “Therefore, unless the town withdraws its letter to the MVC and acknowledges that the towns lacks jurisdiction over all the matters integral to the tribe’s gaming operation, the tribe will no longer engage in discussions with the town on gaming matters whatsoever.
“It is truly unfortunate that it has come to this.”
The letter also said: “Please be advised that any repeated effort by the town to stop the tribe’s gaming operation will be countered with an aggressive legal defense by the tribe. Frankly, the tribe is surprised that the town would even raise the possibility of further litigation by trying to force the MVC into a position to pursue or be the recipient of litigation in the wake of the town’s unmitigated loss at the First Circuit and then again at the United States Supreme Court.”
Comments
With all my heart I hope the
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsWith all my heart I hope the tribe will reconsider and work in partnership with the MVC.
Agreed. Working with the
Jennifer Marcus Chilmark / CharlestonAgreed. Working with the comission IS what would prevent legal fees on both sides.
Also, does anyone else see a HUGE red flag inregards to putting a bar right next to a reservation in a dry town? Does the tribe have a substance abuse plan to deal with any potential addiction that may pop up from the new bar? Have we not learned anything from history?
sorry, couldn't let this go
durwood vanderhoop aquinnahsorry, couldn't let this go without a response. jennifer marcus: are you a russian troll-bot? because then i could understand the blatant stereotypical, divisive, & racist comment regarding indians and alcohol. you seem to be behind on your history, as alcohol is available for purchase all over the island, and can be delivered to anyone's door without much problem...
@durwood vanderhoop : If only
Neil T Off Island@durwood vanderhoop : If only gambling were as safe as playing Solitaire at home but gambling can be addictive, as can alcohol consumption. What will be done for those who cannot respect their limits with alcohol or gambling? Martha's Vineyard is an island. Will visitors be required to have proof of overnight residency and transportation back to the mainland? Or will the casino door be locked behind them?
Yes, you may build. And the
here we go again EdgThe towns of Chilmark and Aquinnah have a duty to public safety, and will make sure the gamblers, residents and visitors on the Island are safe: some strict radar speed enforcement and OUI checkpoints would be appropriate.
What a sorry development:
Islander Too TisburyWhat a sorry development: Aquinnah's and the Island's "economic" development being placed in the hands of gamers and gamblers. Gaming is a well-known locus of mob activities. I predict the need for an increased Coast Guard presence around Gay Head and Lobsterville once this s(h)indig gets off the ground.
Looking forward to doing a
BS Oak BluffsLooking forward to doing a little gambling without having to travel off island. You go tribe!
The tribe gets to do what it
R Scott Patterson EdgartownThe tribe gets to do what it wants on its sovereign land. Doesn't really matter what you think, get over it.
And when doing what it wants
Mr. B ChilmarkAnd when doing what it wants to on its sovereign land spills over onto others' lands? Have they no recourse?
In this context, NO! I love
R Scott Patterson EdgartownIn this context, NO! I love how everyone is so concerned about the Tribe building a bingo hall because now there will be gambling on the island. There is legal gambling going on all over the island now! Take a look at all the people spending money they can't afford on lottery and scratch tickets! That's gambling folks and I see no reason for the tribe not to get some of that money from the people desperate or foolish enough to give it to them.
Agree with Mr.Patterson.
John Gault Oak BluffsAgree with Mr.Patterson.
Its not so much the gambling
Up Island Voter ChilmarkIts not so much the gambling as much as the added traffic and type of people gambling attracts, not to mention how gamblers often loose their families savings.
Bingo!!! Exactly what Maryhas
John At seaBingo!!! Exactly what Maryhas Vineyard needs to complete its transformation into a theme park
I expect this bingo business to be as successful as the Tribes aquaculture
Has anyone seen any
LAO Boston/EdgartownHas anyone seen any projections for how many people will go to the bingo hall? Aquinnah is beautiful, but it's a real pain in the neck to get to even in the summer. Forget winter. Even if you live in Woods Hole, its faster and cheaper and less complicated to go to the Plainridge Casino than Aquinnah. And they have restaurants, not food trucks. Are there enough summer visitors who would make the trek up island to play slots? It seems like the year round population is too small. How does this add up?
Sovereign immunity with
William EdgSovereign immunity with regard to gaming has been legally granted to the tribe. No one in their right mind would actually want to go trough the MVC process.
At this point, anyone seeking further legal action should have to pay damages for any delay and loss of income. That could result in millions of dollars of damages to any interfering parties.
Let’s start a boycott.
Island membet All islandLet’s start a boycott. Everyone agree not to go.
so what will you have 10
isaiah robinson obso what will you have 10 people not going? This island needs all the help it can get.
I 100% want the tribe to
Paul T UpislandI 100% want the tribe to develop and grow thier economy. More business upisland is great.
However, this not the victory the tribe or anyone that lives on MV needs. Disregard the tribal label, this a project of corporate greed and nothing else.
This is mainstream america staking a flag in MV. Sad.
That ship sailed years ago, a
R Scott Patterson EdgartownThat ship sailed years ago, a tribal bingo hall isn't gonna change that. The tribe has a legal right to screw over the suckers just like corporate america does.
Nice.
Henry EdgartownNice.
Can anyone speak to whether
Hugh Weisman Chilmark and new yorkCan anyone speak to whether the Tribe is still needs to apply for a building permit from the town? As I recall, there was a permit issue regarding a shed in 2008 that was decided in favor of the town. That may be moot with the recent federal court decision allowing the bingo hall. But even if the use is allowed, is there any entity tasked with enforcing building code requirements having to do with occupancy and safety such as: fire resistance materials, structural design, sprinkler protection, exit capacity and locations, emergency lighting, alarm systems, exit signs, etc. And after completion, will there be continuing inspections by any authority for fire safety, health, etc.? Unless the Tribe fully complies with applicable codes and allows inspections by competent authorities, there's a potential tragedy in the making here.
The Tribe can and will
Tom West TisburyThe Tribe can and will appoint trained inspectors. You probably do not intend to do so, but you're implying that they do not have that capability. As for those people complaining about the project, they should keep in mind that it is none of their business. The issue has already reached the Supreme Court of the United States. Certainly the MVC cannot reasonably think that it has authority in the matter. As for "spilling over" on to other areas, the Town of Aquinnah will have the authority of acting upon any infractions of town laws that occur outside of the Wampanoag legal entity.
"As for those people
Islander Too"As for those people complaining about the project, they should keep in mind that it is none of their business. "
Nonsense! Of course it is the whole Island's "business." This is a DRI, even if the Tribe can now dodge that review.
I predict that in a few years' time we'll see a number of types of messes arising from this pathetic way to inscribe "tribal identity" on Aquinnah that will involve other areas/towns on the Island.
Time to look on Nantucket for
Bill VirginiaTime to look on Nantucket for quiet vacation housing!
Leave the tribe alone, it is
Isaiah Robinson Oak BluffsLeave the tribe alone, it is there land! Something has to be done to bring some economic development here. This place is a ghost town 5 months out of the year. Get over it. If you do not like it, get someone to buy the island.
Yes, because having
Mark EdgartownYes, because having degenerate gamblers will improvise their lot in life. Pathetic.
Well, folks, as the comment
Lorraine EdgartownWell, folks, as the comment before me so succinctly explained...that ship has sailed. The barbarians have been at the gates for decades now; it occurred to me that large tour buses filed with day tripping gamblers will clog the up island roads...bicyclers, be aware!
Where are all the new workers
Bill Edgartown and CTWhere are all the new workers going to live? The island does not have a surplus of affordable housing.
I'll betcha 10 bucks it doesn
Al Kaselser ChilmarkI'll betcha 10 bucks it doesn't happen.
I actually enjoy good casinos
Casino Guy MVI actually enjoy good casinos, knowing full well they are a vice to be taken seriously. There are a lot of problem gamblers out there just like there are a lot of problem drinkers. Then again, there are far more people who derive pleasure from casinos and booze without serious repercussions. The problem with this casino is it sounds like no fun. Really low grade games, no restaurants, nightclubs or shows to set the mood. Food trucks? You must be kidding. Traffic isn't going to be a problem! Hardly anybody will be drawn to this cheesy attraction and far fewer will return. Not the formula for gaming success! As an Islander I won't be going for the same reason I don't now: pain to get to, not a welcoming town (pay to go to the public restrooms!) and better things to do down Island. As an occaisional casino visitor...you gotta be kidding me with this spread. Best of luck tribe! You will need it more than your anticipated guests.
Al, I'm not much of a gambler
Part time Islander Sunny FloridaAl, I'm not much of a gambler but I will take that bet!
Years of building a strong
Jason MVYears of building a strong community with the town and the tribe all gone. Shame on you Ms. Andrews-Maltais for ripping it all apart. It is on you, wear it well.
This is a very contentious
WowThis is a very contentious comment section...
Why does this business strike such a cord on MV?
"the MVC to consider whether
Mark Lucier Edgartown"the MVC to consider whether this is a Development of Regional Impact". Not a hard question. Regardless, if one hundred workers are employed at, let's say an average of $50,000.00 per year, this operation will have to generate five million a year just to cover payroll, never mind financing, (Taxes?), utilities, insurance, and so forth. If we just wait a few years, this will go away.
I propose an island wide
Mike censio ChilmarkI propose an island wide boycott on this sort of gambling I’m afraid of poor people losing their savings and off island crime it may bring.
I agree and no tax dollars to
Paulli D EdgartownI agree and no tax dollars to support it. Gambling is the best our native Americans can do?
Having been a full time
Jeff Winter Haines City, FloridaHaving been a full time resident of the Vineyard, I feel badly for MV. I hsve lived in two communities where gambling became a staple of day to day to life. One of those communities is Atlantic City. Legal gambling greatly hurt the community in regard to increased alcoholism and prostitution and a lower standard of living. Aquinnsh and the entire island will suffer.
A lot of the comments are
Chip Coblyn OBA lot of the comments are dripping with ‘father knows best’ condescension and some others with outright nastiness. I’m sure the Wampanoag community can handle their own affairs without the advice of outsiders. If the business model has duplicatable precedents, it will probably be a success. Give this enterprise a chance.
Actually they can't handle
here we go again edgActually they can't handle their own affairs. That is why they are 'partners' with a gaming company. I'd like to know what the actual split is as far was what percent of revenue/profit does the tribe keep and what percent does their off-island 'partner' keep. As with any enterprise, unless you have the population base to support a business venture it will fail on its own. If someone is a gambler here on the island or on vacation they would be prospective customers. But the tribe is dreaming if they think they can compete with Foxwoods (which is a destination for the 6 pack of beer crowd, unlike Las Vegas with the high rollers/big spenders) or other mainland casinos. People who play slot machines are the 6-pack and hamburger crowd and won't pay to take the boat- and they wont pay $25 for a Marthas Vineyard hamburger. Atlantic city, despite its location in the most populated area of the country is a failure. They offer bus tours to get the cheapskates who won't pay to drive and hand them $$ to wet their appetite with. I wish the tribe luck, but the odds are against it and its doomed to fail.
This deeply saddens me. I
JHM EdgartownThis deeply saddens me. I have the sincerest respect for the Wampanoag tribe and its members, but cannot imagine that the tribe's ancestors would approve of a development project of this size and nature that will erase the sanctity of this land forever. As the courts have determined, there is little doubt that the tribe is entitled to move forward with this project, but at what cost to the larger community? Is there not a better location that could be arranged in a land swap elsewhere on the Island? My own tradition is to bring my visitors to Aquinnah so that they experience the serenity and beauty that it offers; sadly, this will no longer be possible for so many of us that treasure this part of the Island.
How very sad to see them do
Thomas EdgartownHow very sad to see them do this. How desperate are they for money?! Will they pay taxes like other citizens? Sold their souls for a buck...
We have to remember, this is a group who charges you to go to the bathroom.
Like the tides, change is a
David Jordan, DHA Oak Bluffs & EdgartownLike the tides, change is a constant and this situation is a continuation of the cycle. I wonder what our Island would look like today if the native islanders decided that the English clergy who came to MV several hundred years ago were disrupting the status quo and told them all to stop preaching and leave. On the contrary, they embraced the change to “their” island so that non-natives could prosper and enjoy it today. “We” non-natives owe our native islanders a semblance of respect and gratitude for putting up with our prosteletizing forefathers, which has culminated today in some of the most bigoted , heinous and Un-Christian vitriol I’ve read in a long time. I don’t think gambling is the best option for economic development, BUT, it’s their right to do just that with their land. Let’s reboot this conversation and start with love and then work to find a middle way forward. The Wampanoag people showed us how to do just that 200 years ago when they somehow found a way to embrace foreigners landing on their shore. Why can’t we do the same in 2019 ? I would love to see the church and spiritual leaders on the island lead a gathering of native and non-native people of our communities in a healing worship to address the acrimony evident in many of these posts.
I believe that this project
Paul ChilmarkI believe that this project will fail, as most of the the other efforts have failed.
Not enough people will support this ugly idea.
Poor management and lack of business perception for a designated targe market will lend this ill planned idea to its closure.....
The push to build it , I believe is from off Island , not on Island.
A wonderful restaurant and a Bed and Breakfast would be a better investment???
Time will tell... Warren Buffet will not be investing in this.
I am so sorry to see this
Linda FloridaI am so sorry to see this happening-but the almighty dollar is paramount in the minds of so many.
Walking tall.
Miked WtWalking tall.
Will happen.
Idea may be economic development.
Wait for the rats.
They will come, and all the maladies(Merriam-Webster- definition 2) they bring with them
They are hard not to get rid of.
Be careful what you wish for.
Won't be nice much longer after this.
It's a shame the tribe can not find an alternate solution to sustainability.
I happen to think it’s a
Edward EdgartownI happen to think it’s a great idea, well, as long as all the tour buses skip Edgartown and head straight for Aquinnah.
Acres of trees and brush are
Mensa Eddie North NoepeAcres of trees and brush are being totally cleared on this site. Did a responsible conservation agency or professional group review the tribes' plans for this large parcel ? Environmental Impact ? Effect on abutting lands and access ways ? Where are the study results ? Did the town conservation commission or planning board have ANY input or suggestions to this major Aquinnah land carnage ? Something tells me not.
But with this massive clear cutting and bulldozing a substantial volume of possible environmental damage has already been done. What a shame! Like a number of other tribal “projects” this one seems destined to be ill advised and doomed for failures on many fronts.Maybe a few years from now the tent can be used for a summer circus venue ? Bingo !
Acrimony, indeed! Like all
Paolo AquinnahAcrimony, indeed! Like all wars, this war of words will get us no where. Please, folks, let this play out. There are pros and cons on both sides, for sure. Win or lose,succeed or fail, MV will survive, continue to be a retreat for many, a home for many, and a sacred place for many. Hopefully we as adults when all is said and done will be able to work together to ensure that the MV lifestyle for all is preserved.
Tribes are Tax Exempt: Tribal
Withheld MV,MA, USATribes are Tax Exempt: Tribal members living on reservations are not subject to state income tax, and tribal casinos do not pay the corporate /federal income tax.
So MV residents pay both the economic and social costs with nothing positive to show for it!
Great Idea or Hot Mess?
It really is interesting to
R Scott Patterson EdgartownIt really is interesting to see how many "mostly male" and I assume "mostly white" folks are tripping over themselves telling the natives what they should and shouldn't do on their own land! Some things will never change!
I'm not a gambler, I will never go but I'm smart enough to know what the tribe does on their own land is none of my business!
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