By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Tuesday morning local business and community leaders will be meeting with a national gambling opponent. The Executive Director of National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling will meet with business, religious and community leaders at the Catholic Center.
Tom Grey will talk about what he considered the harmful effects a casino would have on area businesses. Grey said other parts of the country have managed to stop casinos from being built.
He believes Buffalo could stop the Seneca Nation from establishing a third casino.
But Mayor Anthony Masiello said he remains optimistic about a future casino for downtown Buffalo.
The Senecas must break ground for a new casino by December 9. Masiello said the Senecas continue looking at locations in the city.
But he said he has no idea what sites are begin considered until Seneca leaders come to him.
"I have had very peripheral discussions with them. The only thing I can tell you is that they are serous about getting this done. They are looking at some sites. That is the most I know about," said Masiello. "They know what my position is on the matter. I want it downtown and they will come to me with a site they are comfortable with."
There has been talk that the Senecas are interested in a waterfront casino. But the Mayor said he wants it in the heart of downtown Buffalo - not on the waterfront.