Deadline for permanent casinos pushed back

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Thursday, Nov. 30, 2000 | 11:12 a.m.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT -- Permanent sites for the city's three casinos may not be realized for years to come.

For the second time, Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer has asked the City Council for an extra year to obtain land for the city's planned permanent casino sites along the Detroit River.

Under existing agreements with the casinos, the city is required to turn over land for permanent sites by the end of this year. The mayor said he needs until 2001.

The extended deadline could mean MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity Casino and newly opened Greektown Casino won't open permanent homes until 2005 -- two years later than originally planned. The MGM Grand is owned by Las Vegas-based MGM MIRAGE, while the MotorCity is majority-owned by Las Vegas-based Mandalay Resort Group.

The council goes on a monthlong break Sunday, and must vote on the request before then. A closed session is scheduled today to discuss progress on the land acquisition.

The mayor won't attend that meeting, said his spokesman, Greg Bowens. Bowens said everything is continuing just fine with the plans for the permanent casinos.