Questions Over Taunton Casino Arise

Questions over exactly what land the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is eying in Taunton has prompted an amendment to the deal reached between the tribe and the city.

According to published reports, Taunton officials were surprised to find the tribe, which is pursuing a $500 million casino at the Liberty and Union Industrial Park, had included 100 acres where Silver City Galleria Mall is located in its compact with Gov. Deval Patrick.

The Council voted to amend its host agreement with the tribe so that if the Wampanoags seek to build a casino outside the industrial park's 146 acres, it must agree to compensate the city more than the $8 million per year outlined in the agreement. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal council will take up the same amendment at its next meeting.