Casino possible in Sheboygan

SHEBOYGAN - The bright lights of a new casino could be coming to Sheboygan.

However, several sources tell FOX 11 there are only preliminary discussions going on and no proposal is on the table.

The discussions are with the Sokaogon Chippewa Community. The tribe has about 1,200 members and a 5,000-acre reservation near Crandon.

Several sources tell FOX 11 there was at least one meeting between tribal officials, Sheboygan city and county officials, and representatives from the Kohler Company. A possible site being considered for the casino is along Lake Michigan off of South Pier Drive.

Mike Vandersteen, the chairman of the Sheboygan County Board, tells FOX 11 he was at that meeting but since has not seen a serious proposal. Vandersteen also declined to comment on camera, saying Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan is more involved in the discussions.

FOX 11 has tried to contact Ryan repeatedly by phone and e-mail for comment on details of the possible casino. An assistant in Ryan’s office tells FOX 11 he “doesn’t comment on any potential future development in the city.”

Several other elected Sheboygan officials say they're upset the discussions so far have been done in secret.

"The fact that the discussions took place for 3 to 6 months, I think that's unacceptable to county board members," said Jim Baumgart, a Sheboygan County Supervisor.

Baumgart said he thinks a casino could provide a huge economic boost to the area. However, he wants to see the discussions opened up to citizens.

"People should absolutely have the right to decide if it's something they want to see or not see and have all the positives and negative discussed … not just be decided by a small group," said Baumgart.

Former Sheboygan city council member Renee Suscha agrees.

"I think the public should be informed of every step that will be undertaken to bring a casino here," said Suscha, who believes a casino would be an overall positive for the Sheboygan area.

"I think the location is unbeatable. I don't think there's a casino in Wisconsin that would be at a more beautiful setting," said Suscha.

The Sokaogon tribe currently operates the Mole Lake Casino. Several tribal leaders have so far declined to comment on the potential development deal being discussed in Sheboygan.

According to its website, the Sokaogon Chippewa Community does not have any historical connection to the Sheboygan area. The tribe still could be allowed to build an off-reservation casino, though, with approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Wisconsin Department of Administration. Any proposal would also likely require approval from the Sheboygan City Council and the Sheboygan County Board.

Wisconsin has already made several deals with tribes allowing expanded gaming operations. In return, the tribes are required to make payments to the state. In 2009, those payments totaled more than $122 million.