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Business & Tech

Is Martha's Vineyard Casino 'Worst Decision Ever'?

On Facebook, Patch and other social networks, people are talking about Tuesday's announcement that the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah intends to proceed with casino plans. One reader calls it "a terrible idea driven by greed." What's your take? Tell us.

Louisa Hufstader, Neighbor
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The news came unexpectedly amid the season's first snowfall on an otherwise peaceful Tuesday morning: The Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah announced it has obtained federal approval for a casino and intends to proceed with plans for one on Martha's Vineyard.

The prospect hit like a bombshell on Islanders and Island travelers near and far, who have been making their voices heard on Martha's Vineyard Patch:

  • "I can think of very few worse ideas than this."
  • "This would be a disaster, nothing less."
  • "Read the reports of communities now hosting casinos and I guarantee that you will agree that the social and economic effects are NOT positive. The horrific effect on the country roads on MV make this a particularly bad deal. Ramp-up the police and ambulance coverage!"
  • "It's a nightmare. For those who the power to stop this desecration be they celebrities, the wealthy, or the politicians, GET GOING."
  • "Absolutely, a ridiculous idea! How in the world would MV manage the crowds, traffic, etc???"
  • "WHY WHY. WHY. TERRIBLE NEWS !!! The Vineyard is a beautiful place. It is a place to get away from reality for the most part and now this. Please no casino !!! Leave the Island to what it is"
  • "So I can't go for a leisurely stroll in the dunes but they can build a CASINO which will be a disaster for the entire island? I thought the tribe was all about the protecting this precious place. Are we cutting off our nose to spite our face?"
  • "Absolutely the worst decision ever! Go to Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun and leave our beautiful island alone. What's wrong with these people??????"
  • "If they manage the casino like they manage the rest of their tribal business, it won't be operational in a year, hopefully. This is a terrible idea driven by greed."
  • "The increased traffic will destroy our community and our lives. Islanders must do EVERYTHING in our power to prevent this disaster, starting with WHO exactly in government granted such a ridiculous and destructive request?"
People  also have been weighing in on the Martha's Vineyard Patch Facebook page with comments including:

  • "Mother Of All Decency! NO!!!" 
  • "Ugh, seems ridiculous. Going to a casino is the last thing on my mind when on island. And certainly hard to imagine it having off season legitimacy. Only way this could maybe make any sense is if they build a gorgeous, luxury, oceanfront resort, with restaurants and bars, oh and a casino. Otherwise, if they just build some gross, smokey casino, it will be an unwanted eyesore and financial disaster." 
  • "Casinos have ruined the state of Montana."
  • "Horrible decision. The island can't possibly handle the increased traffic, etc. Plus 4 months a year it is desolate there....why would you even entertain doing this??"
  • "The tribe *says* it has federal approval. I'll believe it when the feds confirm it. And if they do -- well, the political and legal wrangling are going to go on for a while. I also wouldn't discount the possibility that this announcement is just another move in an ongoing chess game."
  • "Have at it! Next they will put a gate across the Aquinnah town line!"
The one tweet we've spotted was succinct:
  • "Fantastic."

Now it's your turn:
  • What do you think of the tribe's announcement?
  • Do you believe there will be a casino in Aquinnah?
  • What should happen next?
Tell us in the comments.

Read more news about the tribe's casino announcement:
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