The chairman said the casino has been redesigned to fit in architecturally with its surroundings, namely University of Phoenix Stadium. It is currently drawn at 55,000 square feet, which is about a third of the original size. Tribal leaders say it could grow in future phases.(Photo: Courtesy of Hnedak Bobo Group)
Story Highlights
- A Senate bill introduced Monday seeks to prohibit any new casinos in metro Phoenix
- The legislation is a companion bill to U.S. House Bill 1410, introduced by Rep. Trent Franks last year
- Both bills aim to stop a controversial plan by the Tohono O'odham Nation to build a major casino resort at 95th and Northern avenues
U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona introduced a bill Monday to prohibit any new casinos in metropolitan Phoenix.
The measure aims to stop a proposal by the Tohono O'odham Nation to build a major casino resort on its land less than two miles from Jobing.com Arena and University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale.
The legislation is a companion bill to U.S. House Bill 1410, which was introduced by Rep. Trent Franks of Arizona and approved by the House in September.
RELATED: Glendale City Council supports tribe's casino plan
"We share the objections of many fellow Arizonans when we see attempts to bring Indian gaming to metropolitan areas that are on lands not connected to an extant reservation," the senators said in a statement released Monday.
The Tohono O'odham Reservation largely falls in Tucson and further south. The tribe is using a congressional settlement to designate the land near Glendale as a reservation.
"Despite the opposition's latest efforts, we are confident that Congress, like so many others, will recognize the incredible benefits the West Valley Resort will provide to the region and all of Arizona," Tohono O'odham Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said Monday.
The Glendale City Council opposed the casino plan for years but recently shifted its position, opposing HB 1410 and supporting the casino plans.
Mayor Jerry Weiers, who is in the council minority, praised the senators for recognizing the harm the casino would have.
A disappointed Councilman Gary Sherwood, who favors the casino, said he would ask to meet with the senators.
The measure aims to stop a proposal by the Tohono O'odham Nation to build a major casino in Glendale.
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