Council rejects plan to build casino near Disneyland

August 25

In Garden Grove, California, the City Council voted unanimously to reject a proposal to build an Indian casino and resort near Disneyland.

Council members said Tuesday that a casino would not fit into the city's family-oriented vision and ideas and would face strong opposition from the surrounding community.

Councilman Mark Rosen said that it is very clear to him that there is a widespread opposition to gambling in Orange County and because of that the idea would go no further.

The vote put to rest a weeklong flurry of excitement and speculation that Las Vegas casino mogul Steve Wynn might want to build a mega-resort on Harbor Boulevard.

The city, located in Orange County, considered selling as much as 45 acres to the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians, a San Diego County tribe that desired to construct a resort with shopping, restaurants and live entertainment comparable to Las Vegas.

Wynn issued a statement last week saying no negotiations were under way and that talks were based on what ifs.

Council members said that they did met with Wynn in May in Las Vegas. They stated that they met with him in groups of two and were asked to sign confidentiality agreements.

Once publicized, opposition to the plan followed quickly from residents, council members and local politicians who believed a casino would bring crime and prostitution to the area.