The possibility of having a casino in Lansing has attracted both positive and negative comments from local residents.
"I think it'll help bring a lot of revenue to downtown. I think that we need it," said Chris Noble, Lansing resident.
"I'm just concerned about addiction that gambling and other vices like that can mean it terms of the mental health," said Cheryl Celestin, Lansing resident.
For now, the fate of the casino is tied to an upcoming tribal vote. Ballots will go out to members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians on Thursday. Before they cast their vote, Mayor Virg Bernero went to Sault Ste. Marie to help push his proposal along.
"This will be their casino in Lansing and I really feel that we bridged a lot of the gap," said Mayor Bernero.
However, should members vote it down, it could send the agreement between Lansing and the tribe back to square one. If that happens, the mayor says he doesn't really have a backup option.
"I will defer to the tribal council to see how they want to proceed. I can't imagine it will fail," Mayor Bernero said.
For now, Mayor Bernero is already looking at taking the fight for a Lansing casino to the next level.
"This will be voted on shortly in Sault Ste. Marie. I believe it will pass and then the question is going to be taking the fight to Washington and getting done there what we need to get done," Mayor Bernero said.
The outcome of the vote is expected to be released in May.
