FRUITPORT TOWNSHIP (WKZO-AM) — Several people spoke in favor of a plan Thursday that would lead to the construction of a casino at the site of the Great Lakes Downs horse-racing track, which the Little River Band of Ottawa Native Americans is championing.
Some said it would just boost crime, traffic and drain the community of its resources, but returns were generally positive.
“We’ve been given an opportunity to immediately create 1,200 jobs with a mean income of $40,000 per year with paid benefits, not including approximately 3,000 spill-over jobs created as a result of the casino development,” one supporter said.
Around 600 people were in attendance for the meeting at Fruitport Middle School.
As projected, it would create about 1,200 jobs. The casino on Harvey Street would have gaming space, slot machines, and an area for dining. Eventually, the operators would like to add a hotel and an entertainment complex.
The facility they’re proposing would be roughly the size of the Firekeepers Casino in Calhoun County.
– John McNeill
