Buffalo Indians Bite the Dust

The Buffalo News ^ | July 9, 2008 | Michael Beebe NEWS STAFF REPORTER

[Larry R. Johnson]

A federal judge today ruled against the Seneca Nation's Buffalo Creek Casino, saying that casino gambling cannot legally take place on the nine-acre site on Michigan Avenue.

U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny, in a 127-page decision, vacated the earlier decision by the commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission to allow gambling.

It was not immediately clear whether Skretny's ruling will halt construction on the $333 million permanent casino, but it is clear that the temporary casino no longer has the legal right to operate.

Skretny ruled that the parcel is indeed Indian country.

"However, the court finds that the (National Indian Gaming Commission's) July 2, 2007, determination that the Buffalo parcel is gaming-eligible ... is arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with the law."

[Larry R. Johnson]

For those unfamiliar with Buffalo, NY, it seems that every idea to develop, renew or rebuild this often sad but often wonderful town is shot down by some entity, agencie or judge. The Seneca Nation of Indians plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to open a huge casino/hotel. Here comes the judge!

[gidget7]

Heaven forbid the Indians should actually improve Buffalo, and it’s economy! I will say a prayer, for Buffalo AND for the Seneca Nation. They are good people.

[Sacajaweau]

Gambling is NOT a good thing because there is no product.

Buffalo needs industry not gambling.

[texican01]

Indian casinos are a blight on the nation as well as being a stupid concept.

In my native state Oklahoma it seems like at every major highway intersection, there is some trashy looking Indian Casino or smoke shop. Since they are “sovereign” nations maybe putting up a cathouse to go along with their trashy casino would be a money maker.

[willgolfforfood]

Then let’s build a nuclear generating plant there. Or drill for oil. It’s Buffalo, so I guess 9 acres of solar panels is out of the question.

[GravityFree]

Simple question, if it actually is I-N-D-I-A-N L-A-N-D what business does a white judge have telling them what they can and cannot do . . . . . . . hmmm ? ? ?

[jimmyray]

The Seneca Nation of Indians plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to open a huge casino/hotel.

Out of their benevolent concern for the betterment of the fine citizenry of Buffalo. /s

[jimmyray]

Simple question, if it actually is I-N-D-I-A-N L-A-N-D what business does a white judge have telling them what they can and cannot do . . . . . . . hmmm ? ? ?

Read the article. This was land they purchased, not part of a reservation.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

Simple question, if it actually is I-N-D-I-A-N L-A-N-D what business does a white judge have telling them what they can and cannot do . . . . . . . hmmm ? ? ?

What the judge said is that the commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission must follow the law in deciding to allow indian gambling.

[shadowcat]

I’m glad Hitlary weighed in with her rejuvination plan for upstate NY.

FREEZE IN THE DARK

......a former resident of Rochester, NY

[gidget7]

Casinos are not just gambling. Though there is nothing wrong with it, the vast majority of folks who go are responsible about it. They also have shops, entertainment, usually museums when Native American run, and the best restaurants. ALL of which, including the gambling parts, offer hundreds of employment opportunities.

[gidget7]

There are 2 in my area, and they are fabulous, luxurious, very very upscale places. And they pay well as well as treat their employees great. This is the type Seneca Nation wants to build.

[fish hawk]

IF the land is indeed “Indian Land” this judge will be over ruled in the near future.

[Jack Wilson]

Why are they called Indians when it has to do with casinos but Native Americans for everything else? This is not a rhetorical question - I really want to know!

[Sacajaweau]

I was born in Rochester...as were my children...and grandchildren.

My dad knew the owner of the RKO and we always had plenty of free passes.

The schools were the best (1950's), the beach, the zoo..Everything was neat and clean except the ..... areas.

Now, it's a welfare town.

[GravityFree]

From the article: Skretny ruled that the parcel is indeed Indian country. The judge ruled it was not just a parcel of land purchased by the Indians but part of Indian country. My question remains . . . what business does a white judge have making rules in the Indian nation ???

[fish hawk]

Realtors and Lawyers also do not produce anything. Let’s dump them also.

[gidget7]

In a word, or two, No business. I wonder if their land extends to any other town. If it does, they should build there and let the next town reap the rewards, AND the tax revenue to the state that NY is passing up...............millions.............per month! Not that the govt in CT has chosen to disclose where their's goes, but none the less, it comes in from each of the casinos there.

[gidget7]

They DFO produce! fish, the casinos I mean. They send millions a month into the states greedy little hands. And they provide hundreds of jobs, which pay salaries and improve the economy of the town. Not to mention the tax dollars the town gets from folks coming to the casinos.

[shadowcat]

I was 10 years behind you.

I had to leave in ‘98 when I read the spray paint on the wall.

I haven’t looked back since.

PS The weather is much better in Henderson, NV.