"If southeastern Connecticut greets the news of casino expansion "with a yawn," it is probably in order to avoid a scream. Surely what is needed are more gambling facilities, convention space, entertainment venues and restaurants in this once peaceful area of the state.

Most disturbing is the fact that these expansion plans "don't have to get local zoning board approval" because they are on sovereign lands. How can one comment on the influx of 2,000 workers and their families when we already know affordable housing has been negligible for years? Do we see the tribes building low-cost housing for the workers who have helped them become billionaires?

Supporters of these expansion plans talk about how they will revitalize the area's economy, but the truth of the matter is that the big winners will be the tribes and their casino backers. Although it would be lovely to believe tourists bound for the casinos will shop locally, eat at local restaurants and spend their dollars on Connecticut land, the reality is that the "resort casinos" are destinations and will be marketed that way. In the words of Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Bruce Bozsum, the project will "address a patron's complete visit from slots ... to dinner ... to staying the night." Norwich Marriott, don't hold your breath."

Get the Story:
MaryBeth Gorke-Felice: Southeastern Towns Get Few Benefits From Casino Expansion (The Hartford Courant 11/27)
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