New County Gaming Task Force Opens Door To Casino Talks

Guest (John) from New Mexico says::
I have had twice the chance to have dinner with Lance and his council while out in Las Vegas for the Reservation Economic Summit. While there, Lance has had the foresight to inquire about other possible enterprises for his community. I commend him for having an open mind to diversity in business. To those of you who suggest that the Shinnecock are not Indians are void of any cultural identity themselves and would like to continue to hold us down for the sole benefit of saying they are better than us. I am a Native American and you insult me along with all other Native Americans. We understand you will continue to have those thoughts as long as you are on the earth and that is your prerogative. Meanwhile, we First Americans will continue to stake our claim to better ourselves, putting to use the tools you have taught us and put before us now. If you must place blame, Please, look within. My best to you Lance and your people. Your friend, John
May 25, 2010 2:27 pm

Guest (Joe C) from Manorville says::
I travel into the Hampton bays area frequently. I think the police are on high alert now and there is no casino - Traffic will not be any worse than it is. I don't see any pawn shops opening up next to Foxwoods. In the winter months a casino will give us locals something to do out here. Mr. Gumbs and the Shinnecocks I support your efforts in helping me lower my property taxes. I see a crime happening everytime i open my property tax statement Where do I sign up???
May 11, 2009 7:53 pm

Guest (CMOC ) from Quogue, NY says::
Reposting- The one lane highway to which I refer is 27. Even with the 20 foot stretch of a second lane addition, anyone living in Southampton or beyond has to take that road. Where do you live? I also don’t think 495 is a driver’s paradise right now, either. What roads will your casino visitors take? You must have read too quickly and missed the part where I wrote that casinos can be beneficial to some communities. I don’t deny that studies show great bottom lines for towns with casinos. Where there is room for the expansion and added traffic, I’m sure they’re great. If we are honest, we can all agree that the Hamptons is not one such community. You must have also missed my statement that I am of some Native American descent. It’s an odd accusation to be called racist against my own blood. I say YOURS AND OURS to differentiate between the Shinnecock NATION and the surrounding community. What other words shall I use to distinguish the two? That’s not racist, that’s proper use of language. You are trying to contend you are your own sovereign group, are you not? And regarding your other complaint, I didn’t twist your words at all. Here’s an EXACT quote from your posting: “Now we are about to return the favor from the hard lessons you have taught our people.” It’s on the public record. These are your words. Read it again. Now notice your usage of the word “you” and the phrase “our people.” Are you racist? Or are you just differentiating?? Read the whole posting and the one before. You write it a number of times. It looks to me like you are desperately trying to turn the attention away from the diatribe below that expresses your true motives. The race card is your last resort. It’s too bad. You are arguing semantics now. Any objective reader sees right through you. The proof is written below in black and white. What happened to the Native Americans hundreds of years ago was unconscionable. The discrimination endured by the Japanese citizens during World War II, the Irish in the 19th century, the black citizens –(so recent that many victims still live to give first-hand accounts) – all of it is inexcusable and heinous. The point is from whom are you exacting your revenge? You complain you need a casino because you are still “unfairly held back and not able to get ahead” but you yourself said your children have the same access to Southampton schools, programs and other community benefits. I should imagine, in fact, you enjoy more government help than the average American citizen, such as state funded health care, nutritional programs, educational programs, and Long Island community funded environmental and commercial projects such as the Shinnecock Shellfish Hatchery (all touted on your very own website). I think these initiatives are WONDERFUL and DESERVED but I also think it negates your claims that you are at such a disproportionate disadvantage that only a casino complex could fix it. The Shinnecock deserve these things but you are not entitled to be above the law in the name of making money when it concerns dealings outside Shinnecock jurisdiction. A casino will affect all of us. You lament that sacred lands were stolen from you and were desecrated. You have initiated sweeping lawsuits to reclaim thousands of acres of land. When researching the history of disputed land such as the Shinnecock Golf Course, however, it begs the question: “If the Shinnecock were so morally opposed to this project, then why did their own tribal ancestors agree to build it for the new owners?” I’m not posing this question to make light of the situation, I’m just stating a fact. The truth that hundreds of years ago, grossly unfair deals were made in the transfer of property on Long Island is not lost on me. I wouldn’t be opposed to making the government work out a fair financial compensation deal for the Shinnecock. But it must be reasonable. There are businesses and homes on this land now that have been around for generations. These people are rightful property owners who cannot be punished for poor decisions made hundreds of years ago. Further, punishing the entire community by bringing down its collective standard of living with a casino complex is not reasonable. And forgive me, but I don’t see how the installation of slot machines and craps tables would lessen the blow of sacred ancestral grounds being “desecrated”? Enlighten me.
Jan 27, 2009 12:03 pm

Guest (L.Gumbs) from The Rez says::
LH you are right that was part of the problem. However tests done on the Heady Creek side of the Reservation also showed high concentrations of fecal matter in the water. This was clearly coming from sewage pipes emptying into the creek from the Southampton Village side. I should have said pollution and the brown tide contributed to the demise of our shellfish hatchery. It's hard for me to believe that the brown tide isn't connected to man and the wastes being emptied into the bays from road run-off to direct sewage. Something is causing this phenomenon now that didn't happen in our tribes past.
Jan 27, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (L.Gumbs) from The Rez says::
Dear Citizen Paine: I understand your opposition to gambling on ethical grounds. Its a little known fact about Native culture but many tribes played games of chance as a form of recreation. You had the hand game, stick game,and others that were more like table games. Than you had the physical contests such as lacrosse, horse racing, track and field much like today. Most of these competitons were winner take all. Even today at our powwows around the country you have the dance contests with thousands of dollars in prize monies available for the best dancers in there categories. So this has always been apart of our way of life contrary to popular belief. The reason I suggested the trip was not to gamble. These facilities have much more to offer than just gambling games. There are shops, shows, and restaurants. Its an entertainment complex which is the reason I go because I don't gamble either. Its worth seeing for all the others reasons and questions you might have. To answer your question: Yes, we have looked at a number of green options some of which we will incorporate in our projects. We have met with a number of wind generator companies and have mapped out where they might be possible. The problem is the overall height of the ones needed to be of any profit to the tribe. They stand over 300 hundred feet in the air and would be visible for miles. Our Hampton Bays sight is not a feasible location for these big wind turbines. We have also looked at doing a solar field on the back side of the Rez which is looking promising. Again it goes back to getting everyone on board, like LIPA, so we could sell the excess energy back to the grid. There are many more economic ideas we have looked at but the main hindrance is the shortage of land under the tribes umbrella. It all comes down to what takes up the least amount of land with the greatest amount of return on the investment.
Jan 27, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (Some 1 who knows bout IT) from RI says::
the only reasons those uptighty whitey's over there dont want a casino so they can keep the people(shinnecocks) cleaning there houses I have family on Long Island and thats what some of them do sad you's might have to hire a mexican instead of an Indian isn't it OH take a ride in CT. and see what the towns around foxwoods and mohegan have done for there roads and schools the tax money shows thats where its going over there wake up and lower your heads with out getting a nose bleed and stop. this is my own comment and i speak for myself
Jan 25, 2009 8:09 am

Guest (Citizen Paine) from Southampton says::
Dear L. Gumbs: Thank you for the information. I will however pass on your advice to go to Foxwoods, as I am opposed to gambling or gaming on ethical grounds, a position others are free to disagree with. One other question: has anyone considered using the land for a wind farm or other green technology?
Jan 23, 2009 12:29 pm

Guest (LH) from HB, NY says::
For the record the shellfish hatchery was wiped out by brown tide, not pollution. Brown Tide is a bloom (excessive growth) of small marine algae (Aureococcus anophagefferens). Brown tide is a natural phenomenon with no known linkage to human activity.
Jan 23, 2009 11:44 am

Guest (L. Gumbs) from The Rez says::
I enjoy good honest dialogue with truthful people which you obviously are not. You have twisted my words for your own dramatic need to prove your non-factual point. So lets break down your rhetoric! First: There are fact studies done by U.Conn and The Harvard Business School on the benefits of Indian gaming to local economies which was presented to the Suffolk County Economic Committee. There are numerous other studies done around the country on the same subject so I'm not making this up, its documented. Second: No where did I say that we weren't concerned about the environment. I clearly said, "We are going to use our land for the benefit of the Shinnecock Nation." No were did I say we don't care about the collateral damage. What I said was, "No one cared about the collateral damage to the Shinnecock Nation or its people." Third: The atrocities that you claim are in the past are very much here in the present and we live with them every waking day. Fourth: We are not interested in returning any favors. What I said was, "We have learned the hard lessons of life from you and will use them to our advantage." Fifth: Your intentions are clear when you say, "We're taking advantage of YOUR school system and YOUR fire department." YOUR true feelings are evident with that comment. You don't consider us part of the community and that's precisely why we have to become economically self-sufficient. I'm glad you have finally revealed the truth behind your racist views. I never mentioned race issues, you did. This was the real message you were trying to conceal behind ill-founded concerns for the environment. Now how do you like me twisting your words for my benefit? You obviously haven't read my other statements were I clearly lay out our intentions. What one lane highway are you talking about? I never said anything about putting it on a one lane highway. I was making a comparison to the Foxwoods casino road and Montauk Highway, that's it. Maybe you ought to go back and use those schools you don't want us to use to learn how to read and comprehend! For the record my position has never changed. We are going to use our land for the benefit of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and its people. We are willing to work with anyone to find a good location for the facility within a reasonable distance for our people to commute. Not doing it is not an option for us! I also have no-problem with your decent on the issue as long as you keep it truthful. After all this is America and everyone is entitled to there opinion.
Jan 23, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (L.Gumbs) from The Rez says::
Dear Citizen Paine What I was referring to is the rules and regulations that govern Indian Gaming. Most companies in America could not function under the controls that make up the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act(IGRA). There are 3 layers of regulations involved in the operation. Federal Rules of Operation followed by the rules of the State/Tribal Compact, followed by the Tribal Governance Rules. There are internal controls for everything from excessive gamblers to someone leaving a child in a car. Everything internally and externally is monitored. You have The Gaming Authority, The Gaming Commission, Federal Tribal Police, State Police, independent security, Tribal security and State Gaming Commission Monitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of the main reasons you don't have the high crime, prostitution and loitering that is found in Atlantic City or Las Vegas. The operation is contained in one area unlike AC or Vegas which is spread out over multiple facilities along a strip. This makes it much easier to monitor and control and doesn't allow for bad elements to go unnoticed. There are many more controls which separate the two. The only thing similar is the actual games and tables. Go to Foxwoods or the Sun for a better understanding.
Jan 23, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (Citizen Paine) from WHB says::
Dear L. Gumbs You state that Steve Levy's comparison of a casino in Southampton and those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City is irresponsible and uninformed. Could you explain the difference between how your casino would differ from those in Vegas or AC? Thank you.
Jan 22, 2009 11:14 am

Guest (CMOC) from Quogue, NY says::
Thank you so much. Finally, some honesty! No more rhetoric about how a casino lifestyle will do wonders for our community! You admit that you don’t care about the environment or your neighbors. “Others have profited off the land, now it’s our turn! We don’t care about the collateral damage, we want to cash in. We deserve it, no matter what the cost to everyone else.” Now the truth comes out, and it only took one e mail from me, a regular resident, for you to show your true motive. Where are the lawyers? No, I don’t like the over-crowding, and the building-up of the land. No I don’t like the historic treatment of Native Americans, (for the record, I am part Native American). I am honest enough, however, to admit that those atrocities are in the past. I don’t think about “returning the favor” as a justification for today’s issues. We cannot to use those arguments to turn a blind eye to a project that is harmful to the community and meritless. The consequences of our present actions affect our future. Let’s move our deliberation in to the present day. I speak up against everything that I think will hurt the integrity of the community- the Super Stop and Shop, the Friendly’s, etc. No matter which way you paint it, this is not a race issue. You admit you have no problem taking advantage of our school system, our fire department, etc. When it is convenient for you, you are law-abiding Americans. When we voice decent to your plans, you are not, and the rules no longer apply. You can’t have it both ways. I will state again, that I have no problem with you opening a gaming facility within your nation, as long as it is the Shinnecock people who are the intended market. Once you want to do commerce with America, and “return the favor,” (as you so eloquently put it), then you will be answerable to the standards of the American community, just like any other nation who wishes to do commerce with us. You didn’t mention again how great this project would be for our community. Thank you for sparing us the song and dance. I can’t wait to see the element of people drawn to the slot tables. I can’t wait to see our real estate values plummet. I can’t wait to see our one lane highways clogged to immobility. Apparently, you can’t wait either. Look on the bright side while we both await the outcome: We don’t have to pretend that those undesirable consequences are not going to happen now. The mask is off. You want money and you want retribution. I am glad your position is now on the record. Respectfully, CMOC
Jan 20, 2009 4:58 pm

Guest (L. Gumbs) from The Rez says::
Nice try CMOC but the fact of the matter is you have a lot of nerve talking to us about the environment. Are you kidding me or are you just some nut trying to sound like your all of a sudden environmental friendly. Where we're you and all our good neighbors when the destuction was going on around us. We have watched our waters ways become polluted to the point were we lost our entire oyster business. We have watched as our drinking water was polluted with temmic from the farmers and our people have gotten cancer at an alarming rate. We have watched as our Sacred Shinnecock Hills was carved up into sub-divisons in the name of new housing developments. We have watched as they dig up our ancestral buriel grounds to build more homes with know regard for our dead. We have watched as our elders have lived in sub-standard housing because we can't get mortgages. We have watched as our people have had sub-standard medical care. But here this CMOC we will watch know more! We will no longer listen to whats in your best interest. The flagrent lies have been told to us for far to long. They have been flaunted in our face as if we didnt exist. Our time has come and we will use what little benifit the Federal Government has given us for financial gain. We will use it to better the lives of our children and elders. We will use it for health care, housing, education, daycare, senior care, maintenance, infrastructure cultural enrichment and so on. You know the same basic necessities that everyone wants in life. Maybe you didnt know but the quality of life is important to us too. Thats why what we do will be of the highest standard environmently so we don't do to you,what you did to us. Your real estate brokers have profited off our stolen lands for 400 years. Now we are about to return the favor from the hard lessons you have taught our people . Profit off the land for the benefit of us. Your beautiful retreat hasn't been beautiful to the Shinncock since 1640.
Jan 17, 2009 12:29 am

Guest (For the Indians) from Hamptons Bays says::
CMOC your a joke to even talk about the land and over-extending the limited resoures with what has happened out here. The Shinnecocks didn't do that and now they must pay the price for our over development. Where is the fairness in that? So as you say we can live in our current standing. We're we good citizens and good neighbors to them? You have a one sided argument typical of how our people have treated the Native American in this country. The flagrant lie is your denial of the truth. I've lived out here all my life and this is not the same town I grew up in. So are you saying the Indians did that? Fight it all you want because its comming. Its there right to do this on there land just like its your right to build on your land. Good for them! Go Shinnecock.
Jan 16, 2009 10:56 pm

Guest (H) from NYC says::
CMOC - well said! The most itelligent comment posted by far.
Jan 15, 2009 11:21 am

Guest (CMOC) from Quogue, NY says::
Gaming can work well in areas that are geographically able to handle expansion and an extreme increase of visitors (think Uncasville, Connecticut's Mohegan Sun, or Rancho Mirage, California's Agua Caliente Casino.) These locations can handle the traffic and its effect on residents and the environment because, frankly, they have the space. These are remote locations that can benefit from the commercial expansion. The Hamptons, however, simply cannot accommodate such an influx. Our landscape is compromised under current growth rates. Our highways cannot handle the heavy traffic patterns now. To say that a "full entertainment and gaming complex" would not have an adverse effect on traffic patterns or residential life is a flagrant lie. Would we teleport guests in and out of the facility? Spare me. Our environment simply could not sustain the deleterious impact that would result from the installation of a full gaming institution. Native American tribes may not be subject to the same rules as US citizens. That is fair. There is no argument there. They do, however, have a responsibility to the land and their neighbors. IF THEY SEEK THE DOLLARS OF THEIR US CITIZEN NEIGHBORS, AND SEEK TO DEPEND ON US CITIZENS FOR PROFIT, THEN THEY MUST CONSIDER THE RIGHTS, OPINIONS, AND QUALITIY OF LIFE OF THOSE CITIZENS AS WELL. The fact that this project would irreversibly alter the face and feel of the Hamptons community is indisputable. Anyone who speaks to the contrary has financial gain as his or her primary incentive. Any economic benefit is far outweighed by the strain on the community and land. Why should we over-extend our limited resources in the name of egregious profiteering? For the benefit of a employing a few people to stand behind a card table or serve drinks? Thanks, but no thanks. That's equivalent to saying that we should remove restrictions on the emission of greenhouse gases because it would benefit the American economy. The same principle is at play. Monetary gain over environmental integrity is not good policy. The appeal of our beautiful retreat is not now, and never will be, about boardwalks, imposing buildings, un-quaint "centers of entertainment" and 10 cent slot machines. We believe in preserving our current standard of living and will fight tirelessly to protect and maintain it.
Jan 14, 2009 5:32 pm

Guest (HarborRes) from Sag Harbor says::
This casino seems rushed and being put up just for the sake that The Shinnecock can say we did it. I don't know if it will be good or bad for the town (time will tell I guess), but I do know there should be quite a number of studies completed prior to it being approved. These studies should not be done solely by The Shinnecock. Local town officials and experts should take a look at the effect it will have on the economy, environment, local towns and safety of all residents. Thank you.
Jan 14, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (L. Gumbs) from Rez says::
Dear North Sea Citizen thats exactly our intent. The casino would not and should not only benefit the Shinnecock Nation but the surrounding community in which it is located as well. Thats what has happenend in many areas around the country that have Indian gaming. The casinos have reduced local land taxs,funded local schools systems,funded both fire and police depts and povided a multitude of jobs for local residents. This is one of the reasons we dont want to move it totally out of the Town of Southampton. Our kids go to the Southampton public schools. The reservation is serviced by the Southampton Fire dept and so on. We want to fund those entities that help and service the Shinnecock Nation. If its moved out of the town and to say someplace like calverton than Riverhead would be the beneficiary of the revenue. We hope Southampton Town Officials Take a good look at the potential financial loss to the town. Theres plenty of land at the westend of town not in anyones backyard that would work. I do hope the political powers wake up and take a serious look at the potencial beniits to all of us that live here year round.
Jan 13, 2009 12:03 am

Guest (WH Local) from Westhampton, NY says::
The obvious location for a combined hotel/conference center/gaming facility will either be the north end of SC Airport in Westhampton or the Grumman failicity in Riverhead. Both locations would provide the Shinnecocks with their desires (a significant business to provide employment within a relatively short commute) without requiring the development of one of the best natural tracks of land remaining on the east end. Both locations offer the opportunity to provide for traffic flows that will offer minimal disruption and both locations also offer an opportunity to turn an east end facility into a world class destination gaming and conference facility by utilizing already existing infrastructure. The thought that SC Airport would ever turn into an industrial park offering high paying jobs is a total pipe dream and does not fit into the existing economy of the east end. Swapping of development rights to the Shinnecock property (which I believe they would rather not develop anyway) with a long term lease at either Grumman or SC Airport makes the most longterm sense, but requires the politicians to get their collective heads out of their butts and start recognizing a real opportunity.
Jan 12, 2009 4:47 pm

Guest (Richard Tall Bear www.tallbeargroup.com) from Los Angeles, CA says::
It is the tribes right to have a casino and Native Americans shouldn't have to ASK anyone for permission. The very fact that we are debating this is an example of the disrespect and complete denial of Native American treaty rights. Native American tribes are sovereign nations within the U.S. whether anyone likes it or not. We have the right to build our own economies in the spirit of self determination and independence. I think anyone opposing a tribe from having a casino should take the time to learn the history of the tribe and their lands, and they will come to a different conclusion. In most cases the fore fathers and founders of the United States had more respect and understanding of the Native Americans place in this country, by negotiating treaties with the Native American nations on a government to government basis it is well established that we are sovereign nations.
Jan 12, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (North Sea Citizen) from North Sea says::
Its a fabulous idea and hopefully the politicians who have blocked it for so long will get their heads out of the sand. Look at how much Long Island tax dollars have done for the state of Connecticut. Foxwoods and MoSun pay out upwards of 450 million dollars per year to Connecticut. It will creat jobs and bring much needed tax revenue to Long Island provided that Albany parts with it. Just think if the tax revenue from a casino would do to pay down the school tax portion of your tax bill, if the funds went there?! Our property taxes would fall and our schools would get better!! Build the casino and utilze the tax revenue to fund the local school districts to creat jobs and recued our property taxes. Its a win win situation.
Jan 11, 2009 11:34 am

Guest (L. Gumbs) from The Rez says::
Dear Hampton Bays Resident. We are not looking to do the casino in Hampton Bays. The Reporter got that part wrong. With the help of our local politicians we would like to move it farther west to a better interchange. It all depends on the cooperation we get from all the different levels of Government. However we do intend to use our westwoods property for economic purposes for the tribe. It is still Indian Land and available for our use. Its funny to here people talk about things they no nothing about. You have the two largest Indian casinos in the world in Conn. Yet I don't see any of the things you describe there. Where are the pawn shops,the bailbondsman and all the crime? Indian gaming is a lot different from Atlantic City and Vegas but I guess you wouldn't know that. Oh! and by the way we feel your policies have already destroyed Hampton Bays and the entire Eastend. Where was the sensitivity in that? And when were we asked if we liked it? but I guess we don't count as long as we stay the good little Indians and live in poverty in one of the richest communities in America. By the way Monroe Shinnecock is one of the most documented Tribes in the United States. We can trace our people back before Europe emptied its jails and and sent your criminal ancestors over here on the boat to the new penal colony that would become America. So I can understand your hatred descending from that and not knowing who you are! I don't hide I signed my name.
Jan 11, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (L. Gumbs) from Rez says::
Mr. Businessperson we didn't create the traffic jams here on the Eastend. That was the poor planning of your forefathers. We did a traffic study and had a traffic plan that would not have added to the problem. Casinos are not 9 to 5 or just Friday nights. The traffic to casinos flow at all different times. If you have ever been to Foxwoods which is the largest Indian Casino in the world its one lane in and one lane out much like Montauk Hwy. Yet there is never a traffic jam. Not that were using westwoods but we had a design for on and of ramps directly into the property from sunrise and all the experts said there wouldn't be traffic tie ups, but maybe you know more than the experts. The purpose of a casino is to provide jobs for our people because we have economic needs so maybe if we put it up state our people could commute up there everyday to work. Or better yet maybe you would like us to move the whole Reservation up there so you could use our land for more Condos and Mansions here in the Hamptons. I mean you are a businessperson think of what our land would be worth with its water views of the mansions on dune road. We used to have space, beauty and views out here before it was built up and destroyed. Hum! Now did we do that? I guess somethings in life we all have to accept, or is that just reserved for the rich and powerful.
Jan 11, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (nando) from westhampton beach says::
not a good idea to put up a casino out here. we all know that it is just a lot of trouble.
Jan 10, 2009 3:25 pm

Guest (INDIAN SUPPORTER) from EAST END says::
THE SHINNECOCKS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO WHAT THEY WANT. IT'S ALL THE LAZY LOCALS WHO WE NEED TO WORRY ABOUT. AT LEAST THE SHINNECOCK INDIANS ARE WILLING TO WORK.
Jan 10, 2009 2:16 pm

Guest (Businessperson) from NYC says::
To argue there would not be a traffic problem is absurd. There is one route out and it is already congested. My guess is if this complex is built, the incremental traffic flows will make the alternative trip from NYC to to Connecticut and Atlantic City relatively shorter. Not to mention the increase in air travel-- helicopters and private planes. There must be environmental concerns as well. The Conn. casinos in part survive because of their infrastructure and accessibility from Connecticut, NY and all of New England. Long Island comes to a dead end. Most east-enders go out there to avoid the hustle not partake. Seems like an ill conceived business plan. Upstate NY offers space, accessibility, proximity to NYC, lovely scenery and economic needs-- thats a plan.
Jan 10, 2009 9:59 am

Guest (Local) from Hampton Bays says::
Did the Shinnecocks forget the permanent injunction preventing them from placing a casino on their Westwoods land the Federal Court ruled on October 30, 2007 ? Judge Bianco ruled: "The evidence at trial demonstrated that the area in and around Southampton is already plagued with extremely high levels of traffic congestion in the summer months. The only rational conclusion to be drawn from the evidence is that, absent substantial infrastructure improvements (whose cost and feasibility are unknown), the addition of a casino to this already overburdened traffic system would be disastrous and undoubtedly would be highly disruptive to state and local governance and the settled expectations of landowners. In addition, the evidence demonstrated that the operation of a casino would have a multitude of other health and environmental impacts on neighboring landowners and the Town."
Jan 10, 2009 12:00 am

Guest (ilove2lovefast ) from East Hampton says::
If you look at the history of the Shinnecocks and their contribution and help to the "white man" it is clear that they are soverign. I say whatever the Shinnecock wish to do, they have the right.
Jan 9, 2009 11:52 pm

Guest (monroe) from kansas city, mo says::
these people aren't Indians, when will white people stop using other eithnic groups to expolit real Indians?
Jan 9, 2009 9:31 pm

Guest (Hamptons Bays Resident) from Hampton Bays says::
Lance Gumbs obviously does not care about the children of Hampton Bays. For him to make such an ill-informed comment that the Casino will have "minimal impact on the community" is just ridiculous and quite frankly, insensitive. Crime will be up...Southampton police will be on high alert...pawn shops will begin sprouting all over the place as well as bail bondsman entities. How will i be able to send my kids to Hampton Bays Schools if there is a chance that some degenerate drives from NYC up to Hampton Bays to gamble??? Maybe gets bored and drives around town. How about the houses around Westwood? I encourage all those who read this post to rise up and make your voices heard. This is wrong in every sense of the word. And will ultimately prove to destroy all of Hamptons Bays.
Jan 9, 2009 5:57 pm