BROKEN ARROW, Okla— A proposed dance club that will include a bar and restaurant on tribal land in broken arrow is already being closely scrutinized.
That’s because according to Broken Arrow developers have not yet ruled out putting slot machines on the site.
The Broken Arrow City council is taking a preemptive approach to let the public know what’s being considered, after a messy legal battle erupted over a proposed casino near the site a few years ago.
Many who fought the first casino project were back inside city hall to voice their opinions about the new proposal on Muskogee Creek tribal lands. Even though the city has no legal right to say what can and cannot be built there.
Broken Arrow has no jurisdiction over the tribal lands— city councilors only need to allow access off Olive— also known as 129th near the Creek Turnpike.
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According to the city attorney, the project is still in the design phase and the developer has not applied for gaming permits. But according to the city attorney the local developer has not ruled it out either— calling it a possibility.
A group that fought against the original casino plan is watching the new proposal very carefully.
“We really crossed some bridges and solved those distrust issues, so no distrust on my part I think they're trying to play this one right,” said Rob Martinek with Broken Arrow Citizens Against Neighborhood Gaming.
A member of the National Council for the Muskogee Creek Tribe insist there are no plans to add gaming for this proposal— adding he does not know of any current council members who would vote in favor of gaming on the site.
