The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is moving ahead with development efforts on land in Fruitport Township while its long-running proposal for a Muskegon County casino remains without a final decision.
Nearly two decades after the Great Lakes Downs Racecourse closed, much of the property near the intersection of I-96 and U.S. 31 remains undeveloped. The tribe has spent more than 15 years seeking approval to build a casino at the site, yet the project continues to face delays tied to state and federal approvals.
Speaking about the effort, Tribal Ogema Larry Romanelli said the Michigan tribe has invested years into the proposal and already holds part of the property in trust.
“We’ve been trying to have a casino for 15 years plus,” Romanelli said. “We have that land over there in trust. We have 60 acres in trust, and then we have another 170 acres.”
The tribe owns roughly 230 acres along Harvey Street. Of that total, 60 acres are designated for the proposed casino development, while the remaining 170 acres are not held in trust and can be developed separately.
Tribe Shifts Attention to Surrounding Property
As uncertainty continues around the gaming project, tribal leaders have begun exploring alternatives for the larger portion of the site.
“We’re sitting on prime property right here,” Romanelli said according to WZZM13. “It would not be reasonable to keep this just vacant land.”
Cleanup work has already started on the property. While no final plans have been announced, tribal officials and development partners have suggested a range of possibilities for the land. Romanelli said the location’s commercial value creates numerous opportunities, including residential and business projects. Potential uses mentioned include apartments, condominiums, office space and even a hospital.
Developer Denny Cherette, whose company has supported the project financially, pointed to growing demand for housing in the area. “You know how much you can put on 170 acres? A lot of stuff,” he said.
Romanelli also noted that development pressure has increased as commercial growth has expanded along the road. “Harvey Street has grown exponentially up to our property, and our property is probably the largest available to develop now, so we’re at the crossroads here,” he said.
Approval Process Remains Unresolved
The casino proposal itself would include a 70,000-square-foot gaming floor and a 220-room hotel. Because the site is not located on existing tribal land, the project requires approval under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act from both federal and state authorities before construction can begin.
The development previously cleared portions of the federal review process. However, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declined to support the project in 2022, citing concerns connected to the federal recognition efforts of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.
That decision created additional delays. The original submission eventually expired, requiring the Little River Band to prepare and submit updated materials for both state and federal review.
Romanelli said uncertainty remains the central issue.
“I need a clear ‘yes’ or a clear ‘no,’ and to this date she still has not given it,” he said. “I’m in a quandary here, because I have to develop the property.”
According to Romanelli, discussions with the governor’s office have left tribal leaders unsure whether the project has been formally rejected or simply postponed.
“When she failed to support it back in 2022, we brought her the package and she said ‘I’d be more than happy to talk about this when I find out more about the other situation with the other tribe.’ So that’s what we’ve been working on over the years. And then when I asked most recently, she said, ‘I’m not willing to discuss this at this time,’” Romanelli said.
The tribe has already spent approximately $35 million pursuing the casino project. Fruitport Township has also invested millions of dollars in infrastructure improvements in anticipation of future development.
Community Awaits Direction for the Site
Local officials continue to support the proposal because of its projected economic impact. Fruitport Township Supervisor Todd Dunham said the broader development could create significant employment opportunities.
“If we can get this, it’s going to bring in 3000 jobs, these are good union jobs building this casino and the other parts of the casino goes with this,” Dunham said. “It’s frustrating.”
Estimates cited by project supporters suggest the casino could generate between 1,500 and 3,000 jobs and contribute roughly $10 million annually in state revenue. Construction costs have also risen substantially, with Romanelli estimating the project would now require close to $300 million, compared with earlier projections of nearly $200 million.
Residents remain divided over the prospect of a casino. Some have raised concerns about traffic and public safety, while others believe the project would provide entertainment options and stimulate economic activity. There is broader agreement that the long-vacant property should eventually be put to use, whether through commercial development, housing, recreational space or the casino itself.
Romanelli remains hopeful that a future administration could provide the clarity needed to move forward. With Gov. Whitmer’s term ending on Jan. 1, 2027, the tribe continues to monitor developments while advancing plans for the surrounding acreage.
“I talked with some of the candidates early on, so we’re listening and looking,” Romanelli said. “We’ll just have to see what goes on.”