SOUTH BEND — The Common Council on Monday approved a resolution recognizing the “significant potential benefits” of a $400 million tribal village and casino near Prairie Avenue and the St. Joseph Valley Parkway.
The vote, which took place less than 24 hours before another public meeting on the proposed development set for tonight, was 7-0, with members Derek Dieter and Dave Varner absent.
In a possible preview of tonight’s meeting, the public hearing on the resolution lasted a modest 30 minutes or so and attracted fewer than a dozen comments.
The comments were split between supporters and opponents of the project, which is being pursued by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, which operates Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo.
Supporters stressed the potential economic benefits of the project in terms of jobs and community investment.
“We think this will be a good opportunity for some of our residents as far as jobs,” said Tami Chin, with nearby Prairie Apartments. “A lot of residents have looked for employment and have been unable to find it.”
“This is going to happen somewhere, why not let it happen here?” said Jerry Niezgodski. “I say let’s roll out the welcome mat and welcome the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indian.”
Council member Oliver Davis, who introduced the resolution, pulled a compact fluorescent light bulb from his suit jacket to illustrate the point that South Bend should “leave the light on” for the tribe.