Group files suit to stop land sale to Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Tuesday, October 26, 2010  

A group of taxpayers, including the leader of a non-recognized tribe, has filed a lawsuit to block the sale of land to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts.

The tribe agreed to pay $4.5 million for 45 acres in the city of Fall River. But the group says the sale violates state law.

“My complaint is it’s the cart before the horse,” attorney Lesley Rich told The Fall River Herald News, noting that lawmakers haven't approved casino-style gambling in the state.

Rich is representing the Pocasset Wampanoag Tribe, whose chief is part of the lawsuit. The tribe says the Mashpees lack ties to the Fall River area.

Get the Story:
Group files suit against Fall River over land sale deal with Mashpee Wampanoag tribe (GateHouse News Service 10/26)

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Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reportedly considers Class II casino (9/29)
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe working on new casino deal with city (9/28)