By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Construction to expand downtown Buffalo's temporary casino is now running concurrently with construction for a permanent casino.
Despite opposition from anti-casino opponents, the casino has gained some renewed political support.
Mayor Brown included the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in his State of the City Address. He listed it as part of new economic development. Brown said the city casino is the single, largest private investment in the City of Buffalo.
Seneca Gaming Corporation spokesman Phil Pantano is pleased the Mayor mentioned the casino. Construction for the permanent casino is underway at Perry and Fulton Streets while the temporary facility is being expanded.
But Casino opponents continue to battle against the Seneca's plans with pending lawsuits. Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County meet regularly. The organization's Website displays a list of local leaders and citizens opposing the city casino. However, Erie County is no longer part of the lawsuit.
County Executive Chris Collins removed the county from the suit. Pantano says Collins embraces the casino plan.
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