Full Text
The City of Lewiston is an EOE. For more information, please visit our website @ www.ci.lewiston.me.us and click on the Non-Discrimination Policy. 27 Pine Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 Telephone (207) 513-3017 Fax (207) 784-2959 City of Lewiston Maine City Council Resolve October 4, 2011 Resolve, Calling upon the Voters of Maine to Recognize the Wishes of the Voters of Lewiston and Approve Question 3 on the November Ballot. Whereas, in June 2010, the voters of the City of Lewiston overwhelmingly approved a ballot question authorizing a casino at the Mill 5 site in Lewiston; and Whereas, the City has entered into an option agreement with Great Falls Entertainment, LLC that would allow a casino at this site; and Whereas, if approved, Question 3 on the November state-wide ballot would allow this project to move forward; and Whereas, the presence of a Casino on this site would provide the City of Lewiston with a variety of direct and indirect benefits; and Whereas, direct benefits include designation of a percentage of casino revenues to the City’s general fund, joint Lewiston-Auburn projects, downtown revitalization, funding the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, and renewable energy grants and loans; and Whereas, casino revenues will also flow to Androscoggin County, partially offsetting the City’s county tax; and Whereas, the City may also benefit from casino revenues dedicated to other sources including water quality improvements to the Androscoggin River, rail improvements including improvements to the rail system in Bethel, and funding for a Lewiston-Auburn bike path; and Whereas, the City will also see additional property tax revenues as a result of this project; and Whereas, other benefits include: the creation of temporary construction jobs, the creation of permanent employment opportunities, the potential redevelopment of the Mill 5 property, and a jump-start to the City’s efforts to develop our Riverfront Island area; Now, therefore, be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Lewiston that, recognizing the wishes of the voters of Lewiston as expressed in the June 2010 election and the direct and indirect benefits that will accrue to the City and its citizens through the development of a casino on the Bates Mill 5 property, we hereby support the effort to establish a casino at this location and call on the voters of Maine to vote yes on question 3 on the November ballot.