Harrah’s Cherokee Casino to Continue Expansion for Now

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February 16th, 2017
Back Harrah’s Cherokee Casino to Continue Expansion for Now

In recent months, there have been rumors of an EXPANSION project at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, located in Cherokee, North Carolina. However, the idea has been met by indecision from the Tribal Council of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

On January 17th, the council conducted an 8-3 vote in which the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise was given the go ahead to borrow up to $250 MILLION to begin construction on a fourth hotel tower, in addition to a new parking deck, and convention center. While the proposal was initially approved, some of the council members came forward this month, having changed their minds.

The move sparked involvement from Birdtown Councilmember, who was originally one of those in favor for the expansion. Councilmember, Albert Rose, maintained that no plan of action had been presented, and that “With an amount like that, you need to see a plan.”

Rose further added, “There’s a lot of unanswered questions about the hotel part, why we’re still going to have to contract rooms out.”

Very few votes against the expansion were recorded, but included Councilmember Adam Wachacha, and Vice Chairman Brandon Jones of Snowbird, along with Councilmember Bo Crowe of Wolfetown.

An official planning schedule was not the only concern of the council. Another concern was the previous failure of two Harrah’s parking decks in the last two years. According to Harrah’s regional vice president, Leeann Bridges, however, the parking structure was examined, and the necessary improvements were made in an effort to prevent failures in the future.

Nonetheless, at this time, the expansion will move forward. Bridges further commented, “We have to keep improving so we stay competitive in our environment, the entertainment industry. That’s what we’re charged with, and we’re always going to go through these steps and make recommendations on solid projects. Our role is to answer questions and do our best to assuage any fears about is this the right thing to do for the tribe.”

In addition to the aforementioned changes, the land-based casino is currently undergoing construction on a new 52,000 square foot bowling complex, composed of 24 lanes, in addition to full-service dining and an arcade with 50 games, which will be unveiled in September.

Source:

“The casino expansion that almost wasn’t; Tribal Council votes to continue with $250 million Harrah’s project”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, Morrison, K. February 16, 2017.

“rumors of an EXPANSION project at Harrah’s Cherokee”

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