Potawatomi tribe buys 12 1/2 acres for expansion

Friday, April 4, 2003

The Forest County Potawatomi tribe has acquired 12 1/2 acres near its Menomonee Valley casino for additional parking to support a casino expansion, tribal officials announced Thursday.

In separate deals, the tribe bought a 2-acre parcel at 301 S. 19th St. from the City Redevelopment Authority and a 10 1/2-acre site known as the Plankinton Yards from CMC Heartland Partners. The tribe paid $96,000 for the first parcel and roughly $800,000 to $1 million for the second, said Linda Sowell, the tribe's spokeswoman.

The acquisitions give the tribe more room for parking to accommodate additional employees and visitors who will be drawn to a projected $120 million casino expansion.

New state gaming compacts signed earlier this year remove the limitations on the number of slot machines in the Potawatomi casino and allow the tribe to offer roulette, craps and other casino games.

The expansion plans will be on hold until the compact receives approval from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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