"The Gila River Indian Community intends to relocate one of its successful casinos further away from Interstate 10, but closer to some of its regular customers from the south East Valley.

As a sovereign government largely independent of state and local regulation, Gila River has no legal obligation to consult with nearby communities about how the casino and its supporting infrastructure will be built. But the tribe should anyway to be a good neighbor.

The current Lone Butte Casino is surrounded by industrial uses authorized by the tribe, and has access to both I-10 and the new Santan portion of Loop 202. The Hunt Highway location will rely heavily on arterial streets that already serve a variety of subdivisions and businesses in Sun Lakes, Chandler and Gilbert, and the casino will sit directly across the road from some houses.

Rumors had been circulating about a new Lone Butte for weeks, Markham and Boggan reported, but the tribe provided no public information until Tuesday’s announcement. Even then, people from Chandler and Gilbert noted a lack of details about parking lot designs, expected traffic counts and other issues likely to affect those living and working nearby.

Many of Arizona’s Indian tribes have legitimately complained in the past when the state, county or city officials have approved projects and activities with significant footprints near tribal lands without properly consulting the tribal governments or affected residents."

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Editorial: Gila River Indian Community should work with Chandler, Gilbert on Lone Butte relocation (The East Vallye Tribune 3/17)