Casinos get zoning approval from city council

Monday, May 2, 2005 | 9:41 a.m.

DETROIT -- Plans by the city's three casinos to build permanent facilities, including hotels, continue to move forward, with city council approving a key zoning change for construction.

City council on Friday agreed to establish a special construction zone. The vote affects zoning for Greektown and MotorCity casinos, the Detroit Free Press reported; MGM Grand Detroit Casino already had been through the process.

The casinos, which currently operate out of temporary facilities, still need approval from the Michigan Gaming Control Board for financing and updated construction plans, the newspaper reported.

The construction of permanent casinos -- a major platform in Detroit's economic development plans -- had been blocked by an injunction since 2002 in connection with a lawsuit, which claimed the city's 1997 casino selection process was unfair.

On Thursday, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed claims against MGM Grand Detroit Casino by the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The court also approved a settlement reached earlier between the tribe and Greektown and MotorCity casinos.

The tribe on Friday decided not to appeal.