Federal Judge sides with group hoping to block construction of Taunton casino

By News Staff

news@abc6.com

TAUNTON, MA – A federal judge ruled Thursday that the U.S. Department of Interior’s interpretation of the Indian Reorganization Act made a mistake when it granted 300 acres of land for a Native American Reservation. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe broke ground on the casino last April.

David Littlefield, lead plaintiff in the case, took on the Department of Interior along with 25 other Taunton residents. Their argument is that the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe should have never been granted the land because it was not under federal jurisdiction before 1934. "Its not our fault. You cannot look the other way, and break the law, or let the law be broken because you want a casino." Littlefield said Thursday.

It is unclear how the ruling will affect the casino plans, but ABC6 is told by the Taunton Mayor’s office that construction will continue.The first phase of the one-billion dollar project is expected to open next summer. The casino is being built by the tribe on that land and would have three hotels, slots, table games, restaurants, and possibly a water park. 

Mayor Thomas C. Hoye Jr. spoke to ABC6 Thursday, stating, "The overwhelming majority of Taunton’s voters approved this project, and this decision certainly does not in any way benefit our City."

The tribe is disappointed, and saying that they expect an appeal. In a statement to ABC6, "Our people have been challenged throughout history and we are still here, living on the land of our ancestors. I have no doubt we will prevail."