On June 9, Taunton residents will vote on development plans that could forever change their city-a tribal casino proposed by the Mashpee Wampanoag near the junction of Routes 24 and 140. But for all the passionate campaign rhetoric over casino gambling, what many city residents do not yet realize is that the referendum is not binding under law, and that a majority vote against the casino would not necessarily mean the end of the project.
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"The Mashpee, who received federal recognition in 2007, hold an option to buy land in Taunton near the junction of routes 24 and 140. The tribe has asked the US secretary of the interior to put the land into federal trust on its behalf, which would remove the parcel from local tax rolls and essentially convert it to Indian land. Getting land into trust is expected to be a long and difficult road for the tribe - a process that could take years and require an act of Congress." Buried lede, as they say in the biz. This has to happen before July or the whole bidding process gets thrown open to the other potential developers. If anyone thinks the land will be in trust by then, I have a casino license I'd like to sell you.