Casino Headed To Middleboro?

BOSTON -- The purchase of a large piece of land by the Mashpee Wampanoag Indians has made Middleboro a strong contender for the site of the state's first casino.

NewsCenter 5's Amalia Barreda reported that negotiations between the town and the tribe will soon be under way.

Middleboro, a town of graceful homes and peaceful pastures, says an Indian casino could be the answer to its financial problems.

"We've been in cut mode and layoff mode for a number of years, and this potentially could resolve that and stabilize our tax rate," Middleboro Town Manager John Healey said.

He said a top concern is traffic on Route 44. It would provide the only access to a gambling casino on 350 acres of thickly wooded land now controlled by the Mashpee Wampanoags.

Healey said any deal with the tribe would have to include a commitment to widen the road, get rid of the four stoplights on it, and eliminate the rotary at 495 that gridlocks every morning and evening.

"This would be a public process. People can bring their concerns to the board, and the board will work with the Wampanoag tribal council members," Healey said.

Once negotiations with the tribe are completed, the deal will be put before the voters in a referendum, Healey said. The board of selectmen will know from the results of that whether the deal should go forward or not.

"It's a mixture between what the people want, what's best for the town and what the best deal is that we can cut on paper," said Adam Bond, who is on the board of selectmen.

"I think it's a great idea. I think it's about time," said restaurant owner Barbara Zion.

"Bring a lot more jobs into the community and everything. It's progress," said resident Margaret Catunto.

"I handle the casualties of gambling in my practice, and it's getting increasingly serious," said clinical social worker Louise Dery-Wells.

Over the phone the tribe chairman said, "We're going to listen to the community and overcome any objections they have. When they see it's going to be a classy operation, I think we'll have a lot more people for it than against it."