Cherokee Tribe Considers New Casino In Western N.C.
The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Tribe is deciding whether it's worth the gamble to build a new casino in western North Carolina.
That has residents in Murphy betting on what a new casino would do to their town.
"On one side, I think it would bring a lot of revenue into our community," says Maurice Spiegel, a candy store owner.
"[The] King James bible will tell you. You're not suppose to gamble," counters Terry Jones, an auto shop owner.
Neighbors in Murphy have followed the gambling discussion for decades. Just a hour from here, the town of Cherokee houses one of the biggest casinos in the state.
Now the Eastern Band is now considering building another casino closer to the Tennessee State Line, right in Murphy's backyard.
"I think it's wrong. We like our town the way it is," says resident Sharon Clinger.
A spokesman for the Cherokee Nation says that employment for their people is low. A new casino would bring new jobs and positive economic development for the state.
"I don't think it would, says Clinger. "It might help the casino. But I don't think It would help Murphy."
"Anytime you've got gambling you've got people that over extend yourselves and get desperate and rob stores and a lot of things," says Ken Parker.
The tribe has conducted a feasibilty study and are now in the final stages of deciding whether or not to procede with the project. That includes finding a site and working with the state on proper access roads.
"I don't know whether it would enhance the traffic because normally when people go to the casios to gamble, they go to the casinos to gamble," says Speigel.
"It's really your motive are you spending diaper money on it? Or are you doing it like you're going to the movies?" asks Colby Jenkins.
Whether the new gambling facility will pay off is something residents here will follow closely.
I THINK CHATTANOOGA WOULD BE
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on November 1, 2008 - 2:49pm.
I THINK CHATTANOOGA WOULD BE A GREAT PLACE FOR A CASINO. THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAVELING OUT OF TOWN TO SPEND THEIR MONEY . WE COULD KEEP ALL THAT MONEY HERE IN OUR TOWN . AND IT WOULD ADD GREATLY TO THE TOURISM .
» reply | email this page
Yes to the casino to help
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on September 9, 2008 - 5:12pm.
Yes to the casino to help with the job situation here.
Alot of the people are outspoken and say it would bring crime, etc. In reality the drugs are already here, people are buying hard liquior at the ABC store and driving drunk.
This would give jobs to provide economic stability and cut down on the welfare,and unemployment benefits.
» reply | email this page
Casino in Murphy
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on August 22, 2008 - 9:57pm.
A casino in Murphy would be another step of progress for Murphy, after the easing of the antiquated anti-alcohol laws. Andrews prefers to remain in the dark ages, so let them wither away, if that is what they choose. Murphy would draw a lot of business from Chattanooga, Atlanta, Knoxville, etc. Cherokee is much more difficult to get to from these areas than Murphy. The out-dated arguments from the religious right, that gambling is evil and would create problems, are just based on ignorance. If someone wants to gamble, they will go to the where the gambling is. Just like alcohol, it doesn't matter where the opportunity is, it will be sought out by the wise and the foolish. The economic growth that a casino in Murphy would bring is huge. Employment and related business opportunites would bring Murphy into the 21st century.
» reply | email this page
I personly think that a
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on August 20, 2008 - 6:58pm.
I personly think that a casino in the murphy,n.c. area would be a large boost to the economy and to the community,however I do not think that the people in the area will let this take place. just take a look at the town of Andrews compaired to 30 years ago. andrews was a bussy town everyday you could drive to town and you could hardly find a parking space. people were walking up and down the streets doinng their daily bussiness.every building had a business in it,the people were friendly,everybody spoke to one-another.but now the people speak but they just want to know how you can benifit them.if a person does not do something for them they are rude. the people of Andrews would prefer this to a retirement comunity for the wealty and if you are not in the click of the wealthy then all they want from you is what money you can pay them. if a person lives here and has a hard time paying bills this person has too put up with all kind of attitude to survive. when you are down on the ground asking for help they kick you in the ribs and laugh at you behind your back with all their friends i'm am not including my name or e-mail becouse of the conciquences that I would be subject to. I sencerly hope that you post this letter on your web site and ask for feed back
» reply | email this page
Casino
Submitted by Guest (not verified) on August 21, 2008 - 1:19pm.
I think it would be great to have a casino on the Tennessee River here in Chattanooga, TN. There is a way to legalize it because it was done in Shreveport and Bossier City, LA. They dry docked the barges on the water where the gambling was done and built off of that to extend with hotels and shops. It would be a tremendous income for Chattanooga and as we are already growing with Volkswagen coming in, just think what it would do if we had casinos here too. What a boost for tourisum. People would come from all around just to have fun and gamble!!!
» reply | email this page
Post new comment
Recent blog posts
- How Other Cities Light Their Skylines for the Holidays
- The Times They Are A Changin'
- Phillip Fulmer Day A Success
- From the Archive: Black Friday at the New Hamilton Place Mall in 1987
- From the Archive: The White Album, when it was actually white & and a real album
- 11/25/08 Dade Elementary 1st Grade!
- 11/24/08 Soddy Elementary 4th Grade!
- Holiday Handbook Extra: Coupons, Rebates, Freebies... And More
- Vols Beat Commodores with Defense
- Vols Now 3-0 After Road Win
AP News Video
Recent comments
- NO APPEAL!!!!!!!!
3 hours 23 min ago - Reply to if you want to stop a
3 hours 31 min ago - spoken like a good sheeple!
5 hours 11 min ago - Appeal
5 hours 11 min ago - Too adorable!
5 hours 34 min ago - In honor of my Uncle Bruce.
6 hours 35 min ago - SNOW
14 hours 46 min ago - can you give me a list of
17 hours 15 min ago - NO SNOW
19 hours 14 min ago - You guys are so cute!
19 hours 46 min ago
Casino
A Casino in Murphy, NC would help our failing economy tremendously. Just look at how many businesses and jobs that it would create. Not only the new restaurants, hotels, shops etc. It would boost the construction industry tremendously as well. Someone will have to doze, build & construct these new businesses. There are so many people in our community that are out of work. If we can put more people to work, this can only help out the businesses that are still barely hanging on. We will have more money to spend in our own community. Why not give Murphy a piece of the pie for once? I think that a casino in our town would be just the right shot in the arm to stimulate our town.