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New York
Local leader takes aim at Seneca Nation off-reservation casino


A city council member in Buffalo, New York, wants to foreclose on the Seneca Nation off-reservation casino.

Michael J. LoCurto says the tribe has reneged on its deal for the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. He wants the city to reclaim the land that was transferred to the tribe and to recover costs associated with the casino, The Buffalo News reports.

The tribe has broken ground on a $130 million permanent home for the gaming facility, a much smaller project than anticipated. LoCurto says the tribe has failed to come through on promises for jobs and infrastructure improvement.

“The Seneca Nation has excellent relationships with Buffalo’s leaders, including the mayor, and Council leaders like David Franczyk have had input into our work in and around the new casino. And we look to maintain those positive ties," President Robert Odawi Porter said in response to LoCurto's claims. "But we also must note that the 9.5 acres of Buffalo Creek Territory is sovereign Seneca Nation land. What we do on that land and when is the choice of the Seneca Nation, its Council and Seneca Gaming Corp."

The issue will be discussed at a council meeting today.

Get the Story:
LoCurto calls for city to rescind casino agreement with Senecas (The Buffalo News 9/25)
Blog: Reports Show Casino a Raw Deal for Buffalo (Buffalo Rising 9/25)
Maziarz, Dyster hoping to work out casino cash solution with Cuomo (The Niagara Gazette 9/24)

Related Stories:
Seneca Nation not worried about off-reservation casino lawsuit (8/8)